Bradford have failed to quash reports linking skipper Paul Deacon with a shock move to Wigan, describing them as "all rumour and speculation".

The 30-year-old scrum half, who hails from Wigan and still lives in the town, could be ready to link up with new Warriors coach Michael Maguire, with the Bulls thought to have lined up Australian Matt Orford as a replacement.

Reports in Sydney suggest 31-year-old Orford is poised to quit reigning world club champions Manly Sea Eagles for the lure of Super League.

Manly chairman Scott Penn has insisted Orford was part of the club's plans for 2010 and described the reports as "hearsay" but the former Melbourne Storm half-back is out of contract and has yet to agree a new deal.

Deacon has carved out a record-breaking career at Odsal after joining the Bulls from Oldham in 1998 and, now in the twilight of his career, a move to his home-town club would appear unlikely given Wigan have international half-backs Thomas Leuluai and Sam Tomkins in their ranks.

But it is thought a move to the DW Stadium would include a coaching role with the club's juniors while also providing half-back cover and a mentoring role with 20-year-old Tomkins.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan maintained his stance of not commenting on speculation, while Bradford football manager Stuart Duffy said: "I cannot comment, it's all rumour and speculation."

The Bulls will already have three of Orford's former Manly team-mates at Odsal next season, with prop Glenn Hall receiving his visa on Friday to link up again with Steve Menzies and Heath L'Estrange.