A rematch of the Super League Grand Final is set to take place in Valencia in January as part of ambitious plans to bring professional rugby league to the Spanish city.

Champions St Helens and beaten finalists Salford are close to agreeing terms on a pre-season friendly that will be staged in Valencia.

It will be part of a double header that will see the newly formed Valencia Huracanes play Championship Featherstone Rovers.

Mirror Sport has spoken to club officials that have confirmed talks have taken place and they are now awaiting formal clearance from the RFL.

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Los Huracanes is the brain child of English businessman Dean Buchan, who has put together a consortium that has held talks and submitted their proposal to the sport’s governing body.

(Image: Getty Images)

They intend to play in the domestic Spanish competition next year and are currently building a team that they believe could be competitive in the third tier of the English game in 2021, with the aim of 50 percent of the squad being Spanish from day one.

They have also asked to enter the Challenge Cup in the upcoming 2020 season.

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Buchan told Mirror Sport: “We believe we’ve got a perfect storm of ingredients to make it a success.

“The Comunidad de Valenciana has a population of 4.9 million and includes places like Alicante and Benidorm that are home to almost 400,000 ex-pats, many of who enjoy rugby league.

“Add to that the 12 million tourists to the region each year and its clear that we can open Rugby League to much more than just the Spanish market.”

Buchan has also addressed issues over travelling costs for supporters and long-term player development.

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He continued: “I regularly fly to England for €80 return.

“It’s only two hours away and with flights available from most UK airports daily, fans can come out for the weekend and enjoy rugby league in the sun probably cheaper than some UK based clubs.

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“The big plus regarding our proposal is that rugby league is already being played in the region - there are eight to 10 amateur clubs playing to a decent level and Spain are playing Ireland this weekend in a World Cup qualifier in Valencia.

“We want 50 percent of the squad from day one to be Spanish and our model doesn’t rely on one billionaire owner – our plan is to be sustainable moving forward.”

As part of the plans, St Helens, Salford and Featherstone will each have warm weather training camps in Valencia and carry out promotional work in local schools and community during their stay.

Buchan added: “I may be biased but is there a better location for rugby league expansion?”