Former Salford Reds skipper Mal Alker is in the frame for the vacant coach’s job at Leigh.

Richie Blackmore, the ex-Kiwi centre, is Leigh’s top target but negotiations are dragging on.

And Alker, who stood down as Salford Reds assistant coach at Easter is keen to become a head coach. 

He has already spoken with Leigh officials and is waiting developments with interest.

Alker will not, however, resume his playing career despite approaches from a number of Championship clubs.

Meanwhile, new Salford head coach Phil Veivers is said to have checked out the possibility of taking on another assistant coach, with former St Helens star Tommy Martin a possible target.

But the Reds’ finances are limited and Veivers may have to carry on with just Sean Long as his right-hand man. Martin, meanwhile, is tipped for a junior coaching role at Saints.

Reds’ overseas signing Joel Moon has gone straight into pre-season training and has recovered well from an ankle injury sustained at the end of last season.

Calibre

Veivers expects Moon to play in trial games and says he will be fit for the start of the Super League season.

Former Salford forward Rob Parker – who also played for Bradford and Warrington – has signed for his hometown club Leigh.

The 30-year-old prop or second rower, who originated from amateur club Leigh East, spent the last two months of the 2011 season on loan from Salford at Castleford, where he made eight appearances including the Tigers’ Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Leeds.

Centurions chief executive Trevor Barton said: “The club are delighted to welcome a player and person of Rob’s calibre. He has played his entire career in Super League up until this point and we are pleased he has chosen to join us.”

Oldham are interested in Elliott Hodgson after his release by Huddersfield, while Stephen Lucas has joined Rochdale from Saints to replace Richard Merville who has retired.

Swinton are on the look out for another forward.  Injuries to Andy Gorski and Neil Holland are a concern for coach Steve McCormack. 

Wigan continue to be linked with Anthony Gelling a centre who has been playing in New Zealand and previously starred in the Toyota Cup for the Sydney Roosters.

Warrington will host Widnes Vikings on Boxing Day in a challenge match.

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