PROSPECTIVE Bulls owner Chris Brereton travelled to watch them in both France and Canada last season, the Telegraph & Argus understands.

Brereton is thought to be heading the consortium in talks with Andrew Chalmers about taking over the club.

The Bulls issued a statement on Sunday to announce that they had conditionally entered into an agreement to sell.

Former Wakefield director Brereton has been courted by the chairman for some time, according to sources.

Brereton even flew out to see the Bulls play in Toronto in May and then two months later was in Toulouse for their memorable 36-34 win. He has also been shown around the club’s offices and training facilities by Chalmers during the season.

It is understood that it will still be the same company with just a change of ownership as Chalmers’ shares are transferred to Brereton.

The 54-year-old is likely to want a more hands-on role at the club than he had when working with Wakefield owner Michael Carter.

There is no time scale as to when the Bulls will be sold, which is subject to the RFL’s approval.

But once ratified, the club would look to tie up the deal quickly to speed up the process of coming out of special measures.

Coach John Kear, who knows Brereton well from their time together at Belle Vue, is currently blocked from making any signings until the embargo is lifted.

The RFL are still be to satisfied with the financial projections for next year's move to Dewsbury and how the Bulls plan to pay back debts they are understood to owe creditors.