Marwan Koukash is prepared to shift to Australia to realise his dream of owning an NRL club, claiming he can help transform rugby league into a truly international game.

Koukash owns the Salford Red Devils, saving them from financial ruin, and is keen to add an Australian club to his portfolio. The British billionaire has been linked to Newcastle but refused to confirm which NRL clubs he is negotiating with.

Big plans: British billionaire Marwan Koukash wants to turn rugby league into a truly international game. Credit:Getty Images

The man whose net worth is estimated at $3 billion revealed he is in negotiations to stage a nines tournament, featuring NRL and Super League clubs, in Dubai. However, his priority is to take a stake of an Australian franchise, preferably as a sole owner.

"There are plenty of advantages in being involved on both sides of the world. It would help to globalise the sport," Koukash said from Dubai.