Lee Makel is desperate to clinch a deal with Bradford City in time to join them on tour in Northern Ireland.

Midfielder Makel, 28, has been pre-season training with the Bantams since his contract finished with Hearts at the end of last month.

And he insisted today: "My agent is talking to a few clubs but I would love to join Bradford. That's my big aim.

"Jim Jefferies knows all about me from Hearts and likes me as a player. I get on pretty well with him and Billy Brown so I'm hoping I can stay.

"Nothing is done and dusted yet but I'm hopeful of getting something sorted in the next couple of days before the tour."

City fly out on Tuesday for friendlies against Glen-toran, Bangor and Porta-down and manager Jefferies has promised a decision later today.

He said: "Lee is a quality player who did well for me in Scotland after I bought him from Huddersfield.

"He has decided to exercise his right to a Bosman and wants to get back in the English game. He's like any other player at this stage of training who wants to impress.

"We're having a wee look at him and Michel Evans and we'll have a chat about that this afternoon.

"The problem is we've only got a couple of places available in the squad and we need certain things for the team in certain areas which are a priority, like an out-and-out wide player."

Makel, who spent three seasons at the McAlpine Stadium missed a large chunk of last term with a bad ankle injury but has fully recovered.

"I only played 15 games because of a big operation but that's in the past and I'm fine now. It's given me no trouble since.

"I've always wanted to get back down south, and wouldn't have gone to another Scottish club unless Celtic or Rangers had come in.

"Hearts are probably the third biggest club in Scotland thanks to Jim Jefferies. That's why I'd love to join up with him again at Bradford.

"From what I have seen there is plenty of quality in the squad here with some good characters."

Midfielder Jamie Law-rence received a nasty shock on his first day back at training when he discovered his house had been burgled.

Lawrence, given an extra ten days off because of his summer international commitments with Jamaica, said: "I came back first thing to find my television and stereo had gone."

l City target Dino Mennillo last night joined Walsall.