SIR John Madejski is the latest intriguing name to be thrown into the mix to buy the Bulls.

The multi-millionaire, who rescued Reading from receivership in 1990 and built them a new home eight years later, is rumoured to be linked with the move by former Cronulla chairman Damian Irvine.

The joint-administrators will step up their decision-making process on the future of the club after today's deadline passes for official bids to be lodged.

Potential buyers have been prevented from revealing any details while a period of due diligence is being carried out – but the link with Madejski opens up the possibility that a redevelopment of Odsal is on the table as part of the package.

The 75-year-old made his money as co-founder of Auto Trader magazine and branched out into a portfolio that includes property, hotels, retail, football and publishing. He was knighted in the New Year's Honours in 2009.

Madejski largely funded Reading's £25million stadium that bears his name and remains on the board.

But it is a figurehead role after transferring ownership to a Thai consortium in 2014. He has no financial involvement with the Championship side.

When asked last year whether he would like to get involved somewhere else in the future, Madejski said: "Would I do it again? It depends if my fortunes were such that it benefited the club at the time."

Australian Irvine is currently head of commercial activities with Wycombe Wanderers but is believed to be keen to get back to his rugby league roots.

It is thought that he would be the frontman for a consortium, possibly including Madejski, and has already been shown around the club by Bulls joint-administrator Gary Pettit.

The T&A understands that there are "three or four" serious groups looking to take control at Odsal.

Pettit said: "The interested parties have everything they need, so we have gone to them asking for their final bids. We are very close but no pen has been put to paper yet."

Meanwhile, Huddersfield are hoping to confirm a home friendly with the Bulls on Sunday, January 22 for Luke Robinson's testimonial.

The 32-year-old Giants academy coach, who was forced to retire through injury, said: "The longer it drags on, the more edgy I get.

"All the noises from Bradford now seem to be positive though, so I just hope for everyone's sake that everything across there can be resolved and the new owners will be able to bring the side across as we had all planned."

The Bulls are already due to face Batley on January 15 and Keighley a fortnight later.