MYSTERY surrounds the future of Leigh Centurions coach Paul Terzis.

Reports are emerging that the highly-rated Aussie is wanted by Super League neighbours Salford City Reds who have made a winless start to their season.

Terzis says he has had no approach from Salford or anyone else, but Leigh say they would not stand in his way if he got the opportunity to coach in the elite division.

Terzis' contract at Hilton Park expires at the end of the current NFP season and talks on a new deal have stalled.

Leigh officials claim there has been a 'backdoor approach' from Salford - a move denied by the Reds where ex-Leigh coach Steve Simms is Director of Rugby.

Approach

Leigh's chief executive Tommy Cunningham told the Journal: "We have had no official approach from Salford to speak to Paul.

"He is a great coach but he's ambitious. If an opportunity to coach in Super League came along now, he'd be crazy not to consider it. If he wants to go to Super League I don't think Leigh would stand in his way," he added.

Terzis has just completed two years at Leigh after being rushed in as a replacement for Ian Millward who left Hilton Park for St Helens in similar circumstances. In his first year he guided the Centurions to the NFP Grand Final where they were pipped by Dewsbury while last year Leigh won the NFP championship by nine points, picked up the Trans-Pennine Trophy before failing in the play-offs.

Terzis dismisses talk of a link with Salford as 'media speculation.' He adds: "I have not received any approach from Salford or anyone else. My only concern at the moment is preparing the team for the Good Friday game against Swinton."

Commercial boss Kevin Ashcroft has resigned and will leave Hilton Park after Easter.

"I've had a happy time at Leigh but I think it's time to move on to another venture," he says.