Ashley Ward and Blackburn Rovers have until the end of today to sort out their differences over the striker's move to Valley Parade.

Bradford City agreed a £1.5million fee with Rovers last week for the 29-year-old striker, but he must resolve a contractual dispute with Blackburn before negotiations over personal terms can begin.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond is determined the matter will not drag on and plans to move on to City's next target if Ward's differences with Blackburn are not resolved.

Richmond said: "It's not a case of the player making his mind up. Ashley Ward and his agent are quite willing to come and talk to us, but there is no point in them doing that until the dispute with Blackburn is resolved.

"The dispute is in relation to some outstanding monies that would become due to Ashley Ward if he left the club and Blackburn won't pay that money.

"It is a contractual matter between Blackburn and the player. Under league rules if a player is due a signing-on fee and he has not asked for a transfer then his club are liable to pay him the money.

"In Ashley Ward's case, the player has not asked for a transfer - Blackburn have made him available.

"If Blackburn and Ashley Ward can't resolve their differences by the close of business today we will move on to our next signing target who is a striker. We have someone in mind."

Blackburn's chief executive John Williams said: "We have made it clear to Bradford City what we want from the deal so it is up to them. We will have to see if we can sort something out."

Meanwhile, Manchester United skipper Roy Keane looks set to miss City's match at Old Trafford on Tuesday, September 5 after being sent off in yesterday's Charity Shield which Chelsea won 2-0.

A red card offence usually carries a three-match ban with the suspension coming into force 14 days after the offence.