The Bulls will start negotiations with Bradford City today over when they can play their blockbusting fourth round Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup tie at home to Leeds Rhinos.

The derby clash - a repeat of the 2000 final which the bulls won at Murrayfield - was a prime candidate for a live TV slot on BBC Grandstand on Saturday, February 9.

But City are playing a Nationwide League Division One match the following day at home to Birmingham City in front of the ITV Sport Channel cameras.

Bulls chairman Chris Caisley confirmed he would be speaking to City today about when the tie could be played at Valley Parade.

And City managing director Shaun Harvey said: "There is a significant amount of talking to be done in the next few days to find a satisfactory solution."

Brian Noble, head coach of the Bulls, said: "It is a difficult draw for us, but I am sure that Leeds will think the same, even though they have a vastly improved squad.

"The big plus is that we are at home, but it will be a huge match emotionally, and every team this season will be trying to knock us off our mantle."

Leeds coach Daryl Powell welcomed the tie, which looks set to attract a 20,000 crowd to Valley Parade.

"It's fantastic for rugby league," he said. "Obviously one of the top teams will be falling at the first hurdle, but when we won the cup three years ago we beat Wigan first up, played St Helens in the next round and beat Bradford in the semis."

With the uncertainty over when the Super League champions will face the 1999 champions, BBC TV may well opt for Wigan v Hull and Castleford v Salford as their two live ties for February 9.

Wigan are looking for their first Cup success for seven years, and ironically the two sides meet in Andy Farrell's testimonial game at the JJB Stadium tonight.

Holders St Helens, meanwhile, must travel to Northern Ford Premiership side Oldham.