Lee Hendrie has dropped a broad hint that he will snub American interest to stick at Valley Parade.

The City midfielder’s short-term deal runs out on January 4 and both San Jose Earthquakes and Portland Timbers are keen to take him to the MLS.

Hendrie has been over to San Jose to assess the standard but admits he is feeling a strong pull towards the Bantams.

While his future remains undecided, the 33-year-old has certainly indicated that the challenge of winning promotion is an attractive one.

He said: “I’m happy here and enjoying myself. At the moment I’ve just got to wait and see what the gaffer’s got to say but hopefully we can get something sorted out.

“Speaking to my agent, I’ve said that this team has got a real chance of going up. We’ve got to believe we can do that.

“I’m loving it here. All the lads are good and the fans and staff have been superb with me.”

Hendrie’s dad Paul played for Portland in the NASL in 1976. The current side will rejoin the MLS next season and have already signed former Bantams midfielder Eddie Johnson.

Hendrie added: “I saw a few of the (San Jose) games when I went over before and it’s a different standard completely.

“Portland are looking to rebuild their team and asked me last week if I’d be interested.

“But it’s been good for me at Bradford and I’m still trying to get back to my best. To be honest, there’s only been one game when I’ve felt like I’m getting back to my old ways.

“We are turning the corner. The gaffer called it when he said it was only a matter of time before we gave teams a real hiding.

“Oxford showed that and even the Cheltenham game before when we could have had five or six.

“You can see why the gaffer gets frustrated because he knows he’s got a great squad. You see them play in training and it’s just a case of taking that on to the pitch.

“If we can keep that going, then you’re going to be pushing for promotion.”

Taylor would love Hendrie to stay and believes he can become an even more prominent figure the more he plays.

The Bantams chief said: “I think the only frustration with Lee is the little strain he’s had, which meant he was only going to play 75 minutes maximum against Colchester on Saturday.

“There’s definitely more to come from him if he can stay fit, train every day and be able to play in every game. Once he does that he’ll get even better.

“I’m sure he is looking at our situation and is determined to be a success here.

“I’m sure he would prefer that rather than going to America.”