Bradford City hope to complete the signing of the player manager Chris Hutchings believes crosses the ball like David Beckham.

Hutchings and chairman Geoffrey Richmond had talks with the agent of Sunderland's right-sided midfield player Nicky Summerbee yesterday to discuss personal terms after the clubs agreed a £1.5 million fee.

Afterwards Richmond said: "There will be a further meeting with the agent and the player on Monday. The talks went very well and we are hopeful of completing a deal."

Hutchings said: "We won't know any more until Monday. He is going to take time to consider our offer. He will want to come and have a look at our place."

Meanwhile, the City manager is enthusing about the qualities Summerbee would bring to the side.

Analysis has shown that Summerbee crosses more balls than anyone else in the Premiership.

Hutchings said: "He is one of the best crossers of the ball in the top division.

"He crosses the ball like David Beckham. He doesn't need to beat his opponent, he crosses the ball from where he is.

"Last season we only had Peter Beagrie who got the ball in the box with any great quality. If we can get the ball in the box more often we will create more chances and therefore score more goals. It is up to the strikers to get on the end of crosses."

The 28-year-old former England Under-21 international had a reported dispute with Sunderland manager Peter Reid last season which led to him losing his regular place in the side.

Hutchings said: "I hope with the quality signings we have made this summer Nicky will see us as an ambitious club that can go from strength to strength.

"I hope he won't be the last of our close-season signings."

He added jokingly: "We still have two or three bob to spend."

Most supporters would expect the next signing to be a forward and Hutchings said: "If the right striker comes along we might think about it.

"But we have got five strikers at the club and their attitude in training has been excellent. If that remains the case there is no reason why we can't go with them."