Talks halted with potential investors for Bradford City

City had been involved in discussions with the interested party since last summer when Gianni Paladini’s attempted takeover bid failed.

The new investors had hoped to conclude a deal before the end of the current campaign, but conversations have now stopped as seventh-placed City fcous on their quest to make the League One play-offs and return to the Championship after a 12-year absence.

The club are reportedly keen on concentrating all their energies on their promotion effort and not be side-tracked by other off-the-field issues, with the priority being a return to the second tier.

Further takeover talk had been bubbling under the surface since Paladini’s abortive move last summer.

After that, a number of parties were believed to have been in touch with joint-chairmen, Mark Lawn and Julian Rhodes, including German investors who were guests of the club at a home game late last year.

Dialogue between City and the Germans remained open, but earlier this year, club insiders stressed that “nothing is imminent” with the fresh developments reinforcing that.

Last summer, Paladini’s bid to take charge dominated the agenda at Valley Parade for several weeks and transfers and contracts talks were put on hold before the Italian’s takeover bid collapsed due to a lack of funds to buy out Lawn and Rhodes.

City are currently behind Yorkshire rivals Barnsley - the team currently occupying the final play-off place - on goal difference ahead of the Easter programme.