Former Celtic strike ace Jorge Cadete has emerged as a target for Bradford City as Paul Jewell looks to boost his side's chances of Premiership survival.

The 31-year-old, who enjoyed a sensational 13 months in Scotland in 1996/97 when he grabbed 38 goals in 49 games, is with Benfica and the Portuguese giants have revealed that City have made an offer.

The Bantams are still believed to see Stan Collymore as their number one target but are waiting to hear if Aston Villa will release Collymore on a free transfer.

Leicester are also believed to be interested in the striker. Sources in Birmingham suggest that Villa want around £2 million for whom they paid £7 million in May 1997.

If Villa do ask for a fee, City will be unable to sign Collymore.

When asked about Cadete, Geoffrey Richmond said: "It is club policy not to comment on any speculation."

However, Cadete's agent Paul Barbosa has been involved in brokering the move with a Benfica spokesman revealing: "There has been an offer from Bradford. They would like Jorge on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy after that. Jorge is currently thinking over the move."

Cadete has 18 months remaining on his contract with Benfica. He is a former team-mate of City striker Dean Saunders, who moved to Valley Parade at the start of the season after eight months in Portugal.

Jewell is still hoping to sign Collymore but said: "We have one or two other irons in the fire which we are actively chasing."

City have been told by Villa, who were last night involved in a Worthington Cup semi-final clash with Leicester, that they can speak to Collymore.

Chairman Geoffrey Richmond said: "Your guess is as good as mine.

"The ball is in Villa's court but hopefully it won't stay there for long. It is difficult to predict when there will be a development."

It is believed that City met with Collymore's advisers yesterday but Richmond refused to confirm or deny this report.

lCity's crunch relegation clash with Derby at Valley Parade has been moved forward 24 hours to Good Friday April 21, kicking off at 3pm. The switch has been agreed to give Jewell's squad an extra day to prepare for their tough trip to Sunderland on Easter Monday.

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