Local and international interest in Falcons - Diamond

Newcastle Falcons consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond says there has already been local and international interest as regards new investment for the club.

Diamond is acting on behalf of current owner Semore Kurdi in trying to bring new money in.

"I'd be denying it if I said there wasn't interest already shown from individuals who are based in the north east and globally," he told BBC Sport.

"The interest needs to be substantiated. But I am confident that when people see what the package is and what they are buying into, I am sure it will be desirable for the right people."

Newcastle are ninth in the Premiership, but have won five of their past six matches in all competitions.

Diamond says that "all options are on the table" as regards to potential investment, whether that is a full takeover of the club or a minority stake.

But with the Falcons operating on a far lower budget than the rest of the Premiership clubs, much lower than the salary cap permitted by the league, and with a smaller squad, new money would allow them to be more competitive on the field.

For Diamond, tapping into being rugby union's representative across the north east should make it attractive.

"The USP is being part of the Premiership, and potentially a part of the big European competitions," he said.

"It's a great community club across from Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear and Durham.

"It's a massive area and hundreds of players who have played international rugby have come from that area. That in itself is a lure for someone wanting to be part of a historical club like Newcastle."

2003 England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson, Toby Flood and Mathew Tait are three examples of players to come through the ranks at Kingston Park.

Diamond believes they can further tap into that talent, but what he wants to avoid is losing promising younger players like Guy Pepper and Phil Brantingham, who left last summer after being lured away by richer Premiership rivals.

"Once new investment comes in, that drain won't happen and a lid will be put on it," he added.

"People won't be going, they'll be contracted here for longer periods of time, so they get security."