Bradford City will have to move fast to secure Andy Tod or risk losing him to a First Division rival.

Tod's three-month loan from Dunfermline is due to run out a week on Saturday. But the Scottish club have told the Bantams they are already preparing to open talks with others interested in signing him.

Five First Division clubs have made an approach for Tod - Crystal Palace, Wimbledon, Watford, Crewe and Grimsby - which shows the impact he has made south of the border.

And City's urgency is increased because of the ongoing injury worries over Ashley Ward.

He flew to Holland today to see a specialist over his recurring ankle problem, hoping to avoid an operation which would put him out of action for three months.

The versatile Tod is the only back-up at centre-forward and City are desperate to hang on to him permanently. He is second top-scorer behind Eoin Jess with six goals and has won over the supporters with his whole-hearted performances.

Boss Jim Jefferies said: "We're waiting for his agent to try to arrange something this week so we can get it sorted. Andy has done very well for us and of course we want to keep him but we know there are other clubs interested."

Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood has made it clear that Tod plays no part in his team plans - and the Scottish Premier side are keen to cash in.

Dunfermline chairman John Yorkston said: "I've spoken to the Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond and let him know there's a lot of interest in Andy.

"I've said to him that we won't wait until his loan deal is up before negotiating with other clubs and we intend talking with them this week."

Tod, who has made 11 starts with City, has enjoyed his stay at Valley Parade and has indicated he would like to make the move full-time. Dunfermline are expecting a fee of around the £150,000 mark for the 31-year-old.

Ward was seeing Ajax medical surgeon Nick van Dijk in Amsterdam to look at the ankle injury that has plagued him for two months.

Club surgeon Steve Bollen recommended van Dijk take a look and City physio Steve Redmond said: "This will hopefully give us a better indication as to whether Ashley needs rest or if we will need to proceed with surgery."