Luke Gale is in line for an improved contract as Francis Cummins steps up his efforts to attract new signings to the Bulls.

Gale enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign at Odsal following his arrival from Harlequins on a two-year deal.

The England Knights scrum half, 24, is one of the Bulls’ most prized assets and efforts are being made to tie him and John Bateman to new long-term deals.

It is understood that a three-year contract for Gale is under discussion, with agent Craig Harrison confident a deal can be struck.

Harrison told the T&A: “Luke’s very loyal and he loves it at Bradford, so I think he will stay.

“He’s very close to his team-mates and has fitted in superbly well at Odsal this year.

“I remember saying to Mick Potter when he signed Galey that he was the kind of player who can buy time on the field and I think he’s proved that.

“He’s quickly established himself as the fulcrum of the side and ideally I’d like things to get sorted in the next couple of weeks.”

Harrison has over 70 players on his books and is one of three agents to have met with Cummins in recent days.

Harrison admitted the prospect of former Hull KR utility player Scott Murrell joining the Bulls had been discussed along with a number of loan deals for promising young players from rival Super League clubs looking to gain regular first-team experience.

Chev Walker is in talks about a new deal and, despite having other options, has made clear his desire to stay at Bradford.