Bantams takeover ‘cools’ as Pilkington closes in on £2m Huddersfield exit

Parkin, the chief executive of Brighouse-based Clipper Group, wanted to purchase the Bantams as part of a grand vision to set up a Bradford Sporting Club that would include both the city’s senior football and rugby league teams.

However, he has been unable to strike a deal with City’s joint chairmen Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn.

“It’s cooled off a little bit. We’ve had further talks and can’t get to a deal,” he admitted. “Unfortunately, I’ve got a very big deal going down right now with something else which I’ve got to get over the line. That’s focusing my mind at the moment.”

Lawn has shrugged off the news and emphasised that the League Two club is in no financial danger.

“The ball’s in his court. It’s up to him,” said Lawn. “We are not in financial danger but we are always willing to listen to anyone who might want to get involved. There is nothing else coming to fruition at this stage.”

Defender Jamie Green is hoping to secure a move to Valley Parade after being released by Rotherham United. Green has joined the Bantams on trial along with former Oldham Athletic goalkeeper Greg Fleming.

Sheffield United have slapped a £4m price tag on defender Matt Lowton amid interest from Championship club Ipswich Town.

Lowton, 22, burst into the first team last season after a spell on loan with Hungarian outfit Ferencvaros.

Huddersfield Town chairman Dean Hoyle insists that the sale of Anthony Pilkington will help the club progress next season.

Winger Pilkington is on the brink of a £2m move to Norwich City – just four months after suffering a broken leg in his last appearance for the Terriers.

His imminent departure has angered Town supporters still reeling from the £750,000 sale of defender Lee Peltier to Leicester City.

“I recognise our supporters may feel disappointed at the timing and I know emotions have been running a little high,” said Hoyle. “Although he is close to leaving, the cash from a deal will not only also help us progress further but will also create an opportunity for others to pick up were ‘Pilks’ left off.

“Every time he has pulled on a Town shirt he has given it his all and now ‘Pilks’ deserves his chance to perform on the biggest stage in England.

“I always believe when opportunities come in life you have to take them.

“The terms also needed to be in the best interests of Huddersfield Town and meet all our requirements. Anthony has supported me in trying to get the best deal for the club which shows me how much he cares.”

Pilkington’s sale, meanwhile, will be good news for his former club Stockport County – relegated last season from the Football League. The Terriers paid £500,000 for Pilkington in 2009 and agreed to pay Stockport an additional 20 per cent of any profit from his sale.

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann was unveiled as the new Stockport manager yesterday.

Sheffield Wednesday have completed the signing of Nottingham Forest defender Julian Bennett on a two-year deal.

“I had the option to stay at Forest but I was looking forward to a fresh start,” he said. “When a big club like Sheffield Wednesday, with such ambition, comes knocking it didn’t take much thinking about.”

Veteran goalkeeper Neil Sullivan has landed a new one-year deal with Doncaster Rovers.

Sullivan, who will be 42 by the end of next season, joined Rovers from Leeds United five years ago.

Rovers’ home game with Leeds, first scheduled for Saturday, October 15, has been brought forward to Friday, October 14, kick-off 8pm, for live coverage on Sky TV.