Discussions were continuing late last night in the hope an 11th hour deal could be secured to save Bradford Bulls from liquidation.

Brendan Guilfoyle, the administrator searching for a buyer for the ailing Super League club, said he was “hopeful” of receiving an offer before today’s deadline as he met a group of Asian businessmen from the city.

But he warned the club had reached the “crossroads” and liquidation remained a serious possibility.

He said: “I believe I’ve got someone who is very interested in buying the club.

“What they’re concerned about is the level of losses going forward and they’re giving it due diligence.

“Whether they make an offer or not, I don’t know but I’m fully engaged in active discussions and I’m hopeful.

“I’m not pinning all my hopes on this but I don’t see too many other options out there.”

Guilfoyle, who was appointed as joint administrator a fortnight ago, said he is still working towards today’s deadline and liquidation remained a possibility.

“I’ve got to discuss it with my colleagues,” he said. “We’re at the crossroads. We’re in a serious place because it’s a loss-making organisation. That’s the legacy I’ve inherited.”

A week ago Guilfoyle made 16 full-time staff redundant in a desperate attempt to slash costs and Sunday’s game against London Broncos only went ahead after most of them volunteered their services.

Interim chief executive Gary Tasker was also present at meetings yesterday with the consortium of businessmen.

He refused to be drawn on the identity of the group but told the T&A: “This is a really exciting opportunity and not only a potential big story for the Bulls but for the sport in general.

“They attended the game on Sunday and were impressed by what they saw and foresee all sorts of potential opportunities going forward. Not only within the stadium but the branding and the profile of the community programme. That all appeals to the interested party.

“It was also encouraging that David Green, the leader of Bradford City Council, joined us and he too can see the potential for this type of partnership.

“Nothing lifts the profile of a city like sport can. The Bulls have certainly been a big news story for Bradford down the years.

“How else could Bradford be world champions in a sport? A successful sports club can lift the morale of a city and I think these people recognise that.

“We need to play to our strengths because there’s enough people ready to remind us of our weakness.”