ENGLISH billionaire Marwan Koukash has renewed his interest in purchasing a significant stake in the Newcastle Knights but insists any involvement in the club’s ownership will hinge on him winning approval from the Newcastle public and the NRL.

The Knights could be privately owned by the end of the year with the NRL in the process of securing a shortlist of potential buyers for the battling club.

The Daily Telegraph understands a number of interested parties have already signed confidentiality agreements that will give them access to the club’s books and financial projections with an online data room being set up before a tender process begins within the next month.

media_camera Dr Marwan Koukash holds the Melbourne Cup.

The NRL has engaged leading financial advisory firm Deloitte to handle the sale process.

Koukash, the controversial owner of English Super League club Salford, first expressed interest in owning the Knights two years ago after previous owner Nathan Tinkler’s tumultuous reign ended.

But the NRL opted to bankroll the club itself until such time as it was ready to put the Knights back on the market.

According to sources, Koukash is keen to make another play for the club but will only do so with community backing.

“He doesn’t want to run the club as such and his preference is to partner with a local businessman or group such as Wests,” one source said.

“He knows coach Nathan Brown from his time in England with St Helens and has been closely watching the changes he has been making and his youth policy and strongly believes that is the right path.

media_camera Marwan Koukash has renewed his interest in the Newcastle Knights.

“But it’s fair to say he is not about to waste anyone’s time if he doesn’t meet the NRL’s ownership criteria.”

NRL head of club and state services Tony Crawford said the object of the sale process was not necessarily to attract the highest bidder.

“It’s about finding a buyer who we believe fits all the criteria for a club like the Knights and a community like Newcastle that can guarantee their future long term,” he said.

The NRL is confident Newcastle’s dismal season which saw them win just one game and collect the wooden spoon for a second consecutive year has not dampened ownership interest.