CITY are gearing up for a potentially momentous day in the club’s history as the clock ticks on Gianni Paladini’s possible takeover.

The Italian’s period of exclusivity ends later today and the club are likely to make a statement on the outcome of the talks.

The Bantams – who yesterday confirmed they had rejected an approach from League One rivals Sheffield United to speak to Phil Parkinson, with Nigel Adkins overtaking him as the bookies favourite for the Blades job – attracted Paladini’s attention thanks to their stunning FA Cup exploits last season.

Ahead of today’s talks with the Italian, City’s chief operating officer James Mason believes his interest is an indication of how far joint-owners Julian Rhodes and Mark Lawn have advanced the club.

Mason said: “In terms of a potential takeover, I don’t think there’s a more attractive club outside the Premier League or Championship that somebody wouldn’t want to invest in.

“We attract big crowds for the level we’re playing, these will be even bigger next term and we’ve proved we can sell out stadiums last season. The demand is there.

“What we have done is put Bradford City under the spotlight, not just nationally but internationally.

“Following the high-profile FA Cup wins, supporters told me stories of being in bars abroad and locals talking about Bradford City. One fan was in Spain overhearing Barcelona fans talking about ‘the team’ that beat Chelsea!

“I’ve heard the same from others in Dubai – and when you’re mentioned in the same breath as global brands like Chelsea and Sunderland, people take note around the world.

“Julian and Mark receive interest all the time; some serious, some not so. I know there is external interest in the club permanently and that is testimony to what we have built.

“We are a football club that is not haemorrhaging money but one that respects the budget parameters on it, yet year on year improving our league position.”

Lawn recently admitted that the joint-chairmen would struggle to finance a team to compete in the Championship because of the dramatically spiralling wage prices.

But they have often stated that they would only sell to someone with the best interests of the club at heart.

“I think fans appreciate what our current owners have done – and that’s build a football club that’s traded itself out of trouble,” said Mason.

“Although we’ve had some difficult times this year, the people we’ve got running the club are all Bradford City fans – from myself to the ticket office, sales team and ground staff.

“That’s a real plus to grasp hold of when times are hard. We are sincere in our decision-making, always looking at sustainability.

“Mark Lawn is a lifelong fan who took a risk investing in the club. That was his own money, not someone else’s.

“Julian’s family have, on a number of occasions, saved the club from extinction. They’ve earned the right to make decisions on the future of the club. Where would we honestly be without them?”

Season-ticket sales are already well on the way towards the 15,000 target and Mason revealed there are also improvements planned on the commercial side before the new campaign.

“Looking forward, regardless of whether new owners come in or not, the club are in a good position,” he said.

“Commercially we are making changes and this is an area I will be looking at closely to develop, from the concourses and banqueting to our main sponsors and strategic partners.

“If the ownership does change, we must look at the positives this may bring. It’s an exciting time.”

Meanwhile, as revealed by the T&A, Lawn confirmed the club had turned down an approach for Parkinson from Sheffield United.

It is understood that rival clubs can only speak to the Bantams boss providing they pay City a six-figure sum to trigger a release clause in his contract.

He is under contract for another year at Valley Parade and has yet to comment on his future since the Blades made their approach.

Adkins, who made his name in charge of Scunthorpe and Southampton, has become the bookies favourite for the Blades post. He is keen to get back into management after he was sacked by Reading last December.