Kevin Locke will be offered the chance to leave Salford Red Devils in the next 24 hours.

Mark Dodson, the chief executive of the Scottish Rugby Union, has told MEN Sport that they, as the game’s governing body, plan to speak with Locke and will be making him a contract offer to consider a cross code switch.

Salford Red Devils owner Marwan Koukash also confirmed he had spoken with Dodson and given him permission for the Scots to speak with Locke.

Locke is due to discuss a possible move with Scott Johnson from the Scottish board.

Johnson is the former Ospreys coach.

Dodson insists he and his Scottish colleagues within Murrayfield have not been chasing Locke and trying in any way to unsettle him.

‘‘An opportunity to speak with Kevin to discuss a move to union has merely presented itself,’’ says Dodson.

''We are now following up this opportunity.''

The Scottish chiefs were made aware of Locke’s likely availability the weekend following Salford’s 52-6 home defeat by Saints.

Locke sustained a groin jury in this game and only lasted a matter of minutes.

Dodson says he spoke again with Marwan Koukash last Sunday for further talks on this matter and was told it was possible to speak with Locke.

Dodson says: ‘‘We plan to have a chat with Kevin and are ready to make him an offer if he wants to move to rugby union.

‘‘It is down to him to decide what he wants to do.

‘‘If he does, then we will take things from there.’’

Dodson and his colleagues realize this has been too good an opportunity not to pursue with a World Cup coming up and Locke eligible to play for Scotland.

If Locke does move to union, he would play club rugby within the Scottish League and be fast-tracked into the international set up.

The Scots first showed an interest in Locke last year and assumed he was happy at Salford ahead of their discussions with Marwan Koukash who contacted Dodson.

Reds are said to be seeing Ben Jones Bishop as a better option for the full back role along with young Niall Evalds.

Locke missed the opening Super League game at Warrington but Evalds proved an admirable deputy.

It has even been suggested by some within the game including Bobbie Goulding that Rangi Chase should be given a go in what is now a key role within the modern game.

If Locke decides to play union, the Scottish bosses will expect him to undergo a thorough medical.

Locke’s problems with a troublesome groin injury have been well documented.

This injury flared up again in the defeat by Saints.

He can also playing at half back but it is felt his pace and attacking flair would make him ideally suited for a union role.

Marwan Koukash confirmed on Monday, if there is someone out there interested in speaking to Locke, they can speak to him and he will then analyse the situation.

Meanwhile, Reds suspended back rower Gareth Hock could interest Leigh if he is to be released from his current contract.

Koukash was due to speak with Hock who was handed a six game ban last week.

The Salford owner has already suggested Hock considers an alternative career away from rugby league.

Hock did not train last week.

He is said to be frustrated at landing another lengthy ban and being ruled out until Easter Monday.