Bantams manager Stuart McCall made the 32-year-old, who netted 25 goals for Mansfield Town last term, his number one target for the summer but looked to have missed out after the striker earlier this week agreed personal terms with the Gloucestershire club.

However, sources in Cheltenham claim Boulding contacted manager Keith Downing last night to indicate he now wanted to join Bradford and the Yorkshire Post understands he will now sign a two-year deal at Valley Parade.

The striker, who injured his ankle while training with City earlier this summer, will be joined in West Yorkshire by younger brother Rory.

Downing said: "He had a scan on his ankle on Tuesday after he turned it in training at Bradford. He informed us that if the scan was all clear that he would sign for us.

"However, we had a phone call at 7.20 last night from his father to say that he was signing for Bradford City. It was stressed that it was a personal decision and nothing to do with money."