ASHLEY Ward's on-off move to Bradford City could go through in time for the weekend.

Bantams chairman Geoffrey Richmond had threatened to pull out of the deal if 'sufficient progress' had not been made before a 5pm deadline last night.

But Ward and his advisers met Rovers officials yesterday to hold further talks about settling his contract.

And, once that has been sorted out, City are confident of wrapping up a deal in time for the 29-year-old striker to face Liverpool at the weekend.

"Positive progress was made through the course of yesterday between Blackburn Rovers and the player," said Richmond.

"They are not quite there yet but sufficient progress has been made to be encouraging to us and we are quite happy to wait for those negotiations to be completed.

"In view of that, we are hoping to complete the signing in time for him to play for us against Liverpool on Saturday."

All negotiations over the transfer have been conducted through a third party and Rovers have yet to receive a formal bid from City.

But they will table an official offer in the region of £1.5m once Ward and Rovers have agreed a settlement over the signing-on fees he is due over the remainder of his contract.

Further talks are planned this week but Rovers won't let the player go unless they can come to what they consider to be a satisfactory arrangement.

"We've still to receive an official bid but nevertheless we are continuing in good faith," said Rovers chief executive John Williams.

"There's more than one strand to discussions but we are progressing along."