Cash lure for Nicky

The 28-year-old former England under-21 midfield player, who is thinking over a move to Valley Parade, was due to meet City chairman Geoffrey Richmond yesterday to discuss personal terms after the clubs agreed a £1.5 million fee.

But the player has asked for more time to consider his move.

Former Manchester United and Wolves striker McGarvey, who met Richmond last Thursday to talk over a possible transfer, said: "Bradford City made him a very good offer, there is no problem with that and the chairman Geoffrey Richmond was different class.

"The delay is not about money. He was offered more money to go to Bradford than he earns at Sunderland, but it is a big step for him and he needs time to think about it.

"Like Sunderland, Bradford City are also in the Premiership, but you want to make sure this is the right move. It's a football decision. He wants to make sure that a new club will suit his style of play.

"He is very happy that Bradford City have shown an interest in him and want to speak to him, but he wants to make sure that Sunderland is finished with as far as he is concerned.

"He has been very happy in his three and a half years at Sunderland and he has shared success with a First Division championship season followed by seventh in the Premiership.

"It came as a shock that Sunderland were prepared to let him go. He is coming up to the last year on his contract and he knows he has a decision to make and he is grateful to Bradford for making him an offer. It is just a question of waiting to see if this is the right move."

Richmond said: "We fully understand his position. It happened very suddenly as far as he was concerned and he is surprised that Sunderland want to sell him.

"He has asked for a few days to think it over, but I remain hopeful he will join us.

"When I spoke to Scott McGarvey yesterday the question of money never came into question and I am hopeful our offer will be acceptable."