The ABC consortium have re-submitted a modified offer for the financially-stricken Bradford Bulls after their initial bid was rejected.
Guilfoyle asks for financial help from the RFL to pay wages
The ABC consortium have re-submitted a modified offer for the Bradford Bulls, offering a further twist in the saga of the financially-stricken Super League club.
The Rugby Football League rejected an initial bid from the group of local businessmen because of the strings attached, but revealed on Friday that a revised approach was now being considered.
The RFL have consistently said they would do all in their power to ensure the club see out the rest of the Super League season.
However, they have maintained they are not in a position to guarantee the Bulls' place in Super League for 2013 and have not agreed to sell back the lease to the Odsal Stadium - the conditions laid down by the ABC consortium.
Changing stance
A statement issued by the RFL hinted at a relaxation of the stance adopted by the consortium.
The statement read: "Whilst the RFL remains hopeful that new owners for the club can be found and is receptive to constructive approaches from interested parties, the governing body is still unable to consider conditional offers.
"The RFL will continue to work with the administrator to achieve our shared aim of finding new owners for Bradford Bulls and will continue to be flexible in its approach to discussions with prospective owners."
Meanwhile, Brendan Guilfoyle, the joint administrator in charge of the Bulls, said he would extend the deadline to find a buyer if the RFL agree to find the money to pay the next monthly wages, thought to be in excess of £200,000.
Guilfoyle, who was appointed back on June 26, originally gave himself two weeks to avoid liquidating the club but put the deadline back to July 10.
After receiving firm interest from the ABC consortium, he then agreed to set a new deadline of July 27 on condition that money was advanced to cover the monthly wage bill that was due, a request the RFL have yet to consider.
"The only way I can take the Bulls into next month is if the RFL help by paying the wages bill," Guilfoyle, partner at Leeds-based P&A Partnership, said.
"Today is the administrators' deadline to save the Bulls and I don't have an offer for the club which is acceptable to the RFL.
"If the RFL can help me to buy a little more time then I can try to bring an acceptable deal to the table.
"There are two home games in August and I really want fans to be able to turn up at Odsal and support their team."
Rival bid
Meanwhile, the RFL have yet to receive details of a rival bid fronted by Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe, a former sports minister.
RFL director of standards and licensing Blake Solly said: "We have received details of an updated offer to the administrator of Bradford Bulls and will respond to the administrator in due course.
"Throughout this process the RFL has to recognise its responsibility to safeguard the best interests of the wider game, the competitions and all member clubs.
"We understand that the protracted nature of the dialogue and the perceived lack of transparency are a source of frustration for many people but these matters are extremely complex and it is imperative that confidentiality and integrity are maintained throughout this process."
