WIDNES Vikings' clash with Championship leaders Sheffield Eagles is off.

Rumours had been circulating that the clash had been called off and Vikings have now confirmed the game will not take place on Sunday.

"Widnes Vikings can confirm that Sunday’s fixture against Sheffield Eagles has been officially postponed," reads a club statement.

"Whilst discussions are ongoing with regards to ensuring the club’s survival, it was felt appropriate to postpone this weekend’s Betfred Championship fixture against Sheffield Eagles, which has been done in conjunction with the Sheffield club.

"Widnes Vikings are grateful for the support of Sheffield on this matter.

"Widnes Vikings will be making no further comment at this stage, and will update supporters as soon as the club can confirm further details."

In the previous communication from Vikings, it seemed planning was set on Sunday's game going ahead despite the bombshell that hit the club this week.

The staff and players, who were told that a "significant cash flow gap" meant they could not be paid on Wednesday, have now been informed that February's wages will be met next week.

Vikings were relegated from Super League last year and have put together a competitive squad made up of old heads and products of the Widnes youth system and started the year with two wins from three.

But the falling through of the planned takeover has left the club in a parlous position.

If the finances are not sorted in time for the following week's game against Featherstone then it would be a different scenario.

Players will already be getting eyed up from other clubs.

If there is no investment forthcoming then the spectre of administration will draw ever closer.

Meanwhile fans - and rivals - have been rallying round the club on Twitter.

Ashton Sims tweeted: "Wire Vs Widnes derby produced some memorable games over the years & after playing them last week in Newcastle, I personally feel they’ve got good young stock to make them successful in the future As a Rugby League fan, I really hope the Vikings pull through this & prosper."

Paul Hegarty‏ @eggo76: "Let’s show any potential investors what a real Rugby League Club @WidnesRL is, let’s fill the place on Sunday, all get involved bring a mate and bring the Cow Shed atmosphere back We Are Widnes #WTID."

And there was an end to the speculation that former Salford owner Marwan Koukash wants to takeover the club and move it to Liverpool.

Marwan Koukash‏ @drmarwanK tweeted: "My self, @GroupBackhouse and @andrew_mikhail have NO intention of taking over a championship club and relocating it to Liverpool . Also we hope for the sake of fans and players of @WidnesRL , an investor could come in to save and keep the club in Widnes."