A Bradford City chief last night confirmed the club has turned down a deal with BBC Radio Leeds for match commentary next season, claiming part of the offer was 50 per cent less than it was three years ago.

David Baldwin, director of operations, said negotiations had been taking between the League One club and the radio station after the BBC’s current three-year commentary deal had expired.

But he claims part of its initial offer would see it getting paid 50 per cent less than it previously had for allowing BBC Radio Leeds home and away coverage and an equal offer for allowing other BBC stations to visit Valley Parade.

He said the BBC was given the opportunity to improve its offer, but it had received a more competitive offer from The Pulse radio station, which it had accepted.

“We want to keep our ticket prices down, and to maximise that we need to get the best possible commercial deals available to us.”

BBC sports editor Gareth Jones said it had made an offer to the Bantams in line with BBC Radio’s pay for a club of its size, meaning it would be one of the “best paid in League One”.

BBC Radio Leeds said it would continue to cover City “as best we can without a commentary deal”.