Luke Gale appears almost certain to stay at Bradford but Garreth Carvell has linked up with Hull FC’s squad.

Although Carvell remains contracted to the Bulls, he underwent fitness testing at Hull’s training ground yesterday and coach Lee Radford is aiming to force through a deal in time for Friday’s home clash with Catalan.

Radford had also hoped to lure Gale to the KC Stadium but said that Hull were already spending up to the salary cap and that any move for the England Knights playmaker was now not feasible.

Former Bulls forward Radford said: “When Bradford’s issues surfaced we made a play for Luke and were told categorically he was not for sale.

“I don’t know if anything has changed but we have a salary cap. I don’t know his salary but he’s a quality player so I imagine it’s a hefty one.

“There are rules and regulations in place and, once the RFL decide what they are doing and the Bulls decide what they are doing, we won’t be the only club interested in one or two of their players if they become available.”

Vice-captain Gale remains under contract at Odsal until the end of 2015 but has been offered a new, improved long-term deal by the Bulls.

Gale’s agent Craig Harrison said the player was happy at Bradford and was looking forward to facing Castleford in Sunday’s Super League opener at the Provident Stadium.

He is also in line to be handed the club captaincy if, as expected, Matt Diskin retires at the end of 2014.

But Carvell’s future remains uncertain as he has effectively left the club but remains a registered Bradford player.

The RFL said again yesterday that Carvell’s contract dispute was a “club issue” and not a matter for the governing body.

Radford said: “Garreth is a fantastic player and there are a lot of issues going on at Bradford.

“He is a player I’ve played with and have a great relationship with.

“He’s a winner and would be a fantastic addition to any squad.

“There are a lot of issues with the RFL and the Bulls and we’ll have to see how that one stands, but at the minute he is a registered Bradford player.

“If things change then my opinion will change on that.”

Bulls chief executive Robbie Hunter-Paul said: “Garreth Carvell is contracted to the Bradford Bulls and that contract is registered with the RFL. He’s still a member of our staff.”

Hunter-Paul said there had been no contact from Hull yesterday but the Bulls had held dialogue with the player’s agent Andy Clarke.

The New Zealander added: “We are exploring all options.”

On Gale, Hunter-Paul added: “Luke Gale is a key member of the Bradford Bulls team and we have big plans for his future here.”

Meanwhile, Richard Lamb yesterday passed a fit and proper persons test with the RFL, opening the door for him to make a bid to buy the Bulls.