Paul Arnison is hoping to provide the answer to Stuart McCall’s right-back conundrum.

City are one of four clubs chasing the 30-year-old defender, who was released last month by Carlisle.

Arnison has had talks with McCall about a possible switch to Valley Parade and has given City the green light to step up their interest.

He said: “I would be keen if we can agree everything. Things are looking quite good and I’m hopeful that something will happen for me sooner rather than later.”

Arnison was a regular in the Carlisle side which won promotion from the basement division two years ago but he has found himself playing second fiddle to former Liverpool youngster David Raven.

Last season Arnison was restricted to only 11 starts, although he did play in the play-off semi-final first leg when Carlisle beat Leeds at Elland Road.

He added: “I never got offered a contract by Carlisle but I would have turned it down anyway. At this stage of my career I just want to be playing week in, week out.

“Bradford are a good club and the fan-base is great. When you look at the crowds last season they really stood out and I’m sure it will be the same again this year.

“My agent spoke to Stuart and I’m just waiting to hear back. If they are interested in me then I would definitely be interested.”

Darlington are also in the running and Arnison’s home-town club Hartlepool, where he began his career, could be tempted to make a move.

Arnison, who lives in the north east, said: “I’ve got a young family so ideally I don’t want to be travelling more than a couple of hours every day.

“Bradford would be good from that point of view but I just want to go somewhere that I can play regularly.

“It doesn’t matter what division the club are in. I got promoted with Carlisle from that league and played most of the games, so I know what to expect.

“I’m just hoping to sort something soon because pre-season starts again in a fortnight. I want to be fixed up before then and concentrate on getting as fit as I can to come back.”

McCall is currently without a right back after releasing Darren Williams.

Ben Starosta returned to Sheffield United after the end of his loan spell and has another year remaining on his contract at Bramall Lane.