Bradford Bulls bosses today claimed that a deal for the massive redevelopment of Odsal Stadium is "just days away".

If confirmed it could mean rugby league fans will mark the end of an era as Odsal could host its last match on Friday.

Bulls bosses said they are within days of signing an agreement with developers Sterling Capitol which will turn plans for a state-of-the-art ground into reality.

They are confident the long-running saga to revamp the ageing ground is at an end and that the ball will now be placed "in the developer's court".

Speaking before the Super League clash with rivals Leeds Rhinos, Bulls' chairman Chris Caisley said: "Depending on whether or not we have any home games in the play-offs, this could well be the last game at Odsal as it stands."

He said a development agreement would be signed with Bradford Council, which owns the site, next week.

Sterling Capitol was selected as the developer in competition with bids from multi-national firms, including Alfred McAlpine, 15 months ago. Tesco is now understood to be a development partner in the proposed scheme which will include shopping. Original proposals for a 30,000-seat stadium are also understood to have been scaled down.

Mr Caisley said a full planning application would then go before councillors "within days rather than weeks".

"The club and the council have thrashed out some terms and these can go before a committee next week. We expect for these to be approved. Both parties are happy with these and the way things have gone," he said.

He declined to reveal precise details of the proposed development but said negotiations were now taking place to secure a temporary Bulls venue next season while the work was being carried out.

"There is nothing concrete at all at the moment. While we expect to play away from Odsal it will be wherever we can get a ground which is acceptable."

He refused to say if these talks included Bradford City's Valley Parade ground but confirmed the Bulls had spoken to "a number of stadium owners in West Yorkshire."

Mr Caisley said the club had been "delighted" with the support shown by Bradford Council.

The Bulls media manager Stuart Duffy said the Leeds match would be "a fantastic way to bring the curtain down."

He added: "We may still have a home game in the play-offs but we cannot be sure of that and thought this was a fantastic way to mark what could be the end of the Odsal era."