The Bulldogs, who yesterday completed the settlement over Williams' mid-season walk-out to French rugby, are now hot favourites in the race to sign the Brisbane star.

Having already signed St George Illawarra's Josh Morris as left centre next year, the Bulldogs hope Boyd will be able to fill the other centre position.

Boyd has been offered a two-year deal believed to be worth $280,000 a season, which is as much as $80,000 more than the Dragons have offered.

"The Dogs are prepared to pay overs on Boyd," a source close to the Bulldogs told the Illawarra Mercury.

"They've got the money available and they want to put the whole Sonny Bill affair behind them."

It is understood the Bulldogs considered making a play for Boyd earlier this season before opting to chase Morris instead.

However, since Williams sensationally left last month, the club was again in a position to tempt the 21-year-old star.

While Bulldogs recruitment manager Peter Mulholland would not confirm the price tag, he remained confident of bringing Boyd to the Dogs kennel.

"I don't think the offer is necessarily over the top," Mulholland said.

"Because we came into negotiations late in the piece, I think with each passing day we're more of a chance."

The negotiation has been delayed with Boyd's manager George Mimis being hospitalised, but Mulholland was hopeful he will sign with the Dogs by the end of the week.

With Broncos coach Wayne Bennett at the helm next year, the Dragons were close to signing Boyd, highlighted by the club dropping his name in a press release to announce the signing of Neville Costigan last week.

But that was before the Bulldogs tabled the bigger offer.

Boyd has an option to stay with Brisbane next season, but has been looking elsewhere after the Broncos signed Melbourne powerhouse Israel Folau.

The Bulldogs have already gained Brisbane prop Ben Hannant and hooker Michael Ennis for 2009.

Mulholland said Boyd's signing would be a welcome boost in the wake of the Sonny Bill issue.

"We just want to put the whole thing behind us and look forward," he said.