Bradford Council is expected to pay £660,000 for health and safety work at Odsal stadium but will spend no more, despite demands from Bradford Bulls.

Yet private talks between Council Chief executive Ian Stewart and Bulls chairman Chris Caisley could result in a payment to the top club which might help create a more fitting home.

The Council is bound to the World Club and Super league champions through an agreement made in 1986, with the club receiving £300,000 each year. The contract has 17 years to run and the talks centre around the possibility of a lump sum covering the rest of the term.

That would free the Council of its financial obligation although it would continue to own the stadium and the Bulls would pay a small amount to continue to play there.

The Council and Bulls are working together to try to find a solution to the deadlock after the collapse of a plan by Sterling Capitol for a £60 million redevelopment of Odsal. The firm pulled out after the Government ordered a public inquiry into the scheme.

Bulls chief executive Abi Ekoku said discussions with the Council had been constructive and were continuing. He said the return to Odsal was the only option the club could continue with at present because Bradford City was in administration. The Bulls currently use Valley Parade as their home.

The Council's executive committee on Tuesday will be recommended to go to tender for work costing £660,000 which would enable the Bulls to play there next season.

The Bulls have said the Council should pay for hospitality facilities, but Mr Kennedy said the extra work would cost £2 million and the authority was not legally obliged to do it.

He will also recommend the executive to instruct Mr Stewart to carry on negotiating with the Bulls about the payment of a lump sum.

Mr Stewart said: "The paper to the executive covers two options, but most importantly ensures that we have met the Bulls' desire to move back to Odsal Stadium. If the executive decides to progress the second option regarding an agreement made in 1986 we will work with both the Bulls and the Council's external auditors to bring back proposals for elected members to consider as soon as possible. We remain committed to working with the Bradford Bulls."