Sheffield United have issued a hands off warning to City over Stuart McCall.

The Blades' football executive Terry Robinson says the club would fight to hang on to the influential midfielder, who is part of the club's coaching staff.

With Bantams boss Nicky Law under increasing pressure to hang on to his job, McCall's name has been bandied about as a possible replacement.

But Robinson said: "Stuart is an integral part of the team, the coaching staff and the club as a whole. So it goes without saying that we don't want to lose him."

After City's home defeat to Nottingham Forest last Saturday, chairman Gordon Gibb said he would not be making a change before Saturday's trip to bottom club Wimbledon. He said: "Putting pressure on a manager is not in the best interests of the club and it's definitely not my job to do that at this stage."

But McCall's name has been chanted by City fans and the charismatic figure is seen by many as the answer to City's growing problems.

McCall himself is keeping a low profile. He has dismissed reports linking him with a return to City.

He said: "Bradford have got a manager and I won't be drawn into commenting on that."

It is rumoured that McCall has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave should a manager's job become available to him.

Meanwhile, City may be facing a goalkeeping problem in the build-up to Saturday's televised match at Wimbledon.

Kiwi keeper Mark Paston is seeing a specialist this week about a recurring stomach injury - and Alan Combe is struggling for fitness.

Combe was recalled to the side for last Saturday's home game against Nottingham Forest - and looks like continuing in goal on Saturday if he shakes off his injury.

City physio Steve Redmond said: "Mark is seeing a specialist at the Yorkshire Clinic. He is having some scans and tests done.

"We are not sure yet how serious it might be. He was struggling earlier this season but it went away and we are hoping it will do the same this time.

"But it hasn't settled down as quickly as it did last time and that is why he is having a trip to the specialist."

"Alan has also reported a problem this week but we are hoping he will be fit for the weekend."

There is good news regarding Peter Atherton and Danny Cadamarteri. Both players are close to recovery.

"They are doing football-type training and will be back training next week," said Redmond.

"Then it is a matter of getting them both back to match fitness. We are looking at about three weeks."

City captain David Wetherall is unlikely to be back in action until the New Year.