Harlequins have asked the Rugby Football League to help ensure the club's future, BBC London understands.

Chairman David Hughes has been financing the club, which has been losing £1.5m a year, despite only owning 35% of the franchise.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenegan holds the majority stake, despite a two-year deadline to sell expiring in 2009.

An announcement about future is expected before their final league game with Warrington on 3 September.

"It seems discussions with the RFL have been, on the whole, positive," said BBC London 94.9's rugby league reporter Ian Ramsdale.

"But no resolution has yet been agreed and there is still a possibility, albeit very small, that the club will not exist next season.

"I understand the club have been talking to the governing body for some time now, about overcoming some of the costs and difficulties of developing the game in the south.

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"It does appear that a threat to the club's future has pretty much been resolved, as I believe season tickets for next season will go on sale at some point this week."

Harlequins are searching for a new coach, after Brian McDermott announced he is leaving at the end of the season to become assistant coach at Leeds, and this has added to the uncertainty for fans and players alike.

With one game remaining, Quins are heading for their lowest finish in the Super League since changing their name from London Broncos in 2005.

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