Reports from Australia claim interest in Alker from top NRL club St George has "cooled" following inquiries about his availability by coach Nathan Brown.
Alker and his agent are scheduled to have contract talks with Salford bosses and a three-year deal is on the table.
Reds' football director Steve Simms told M.E.N. Sport: "We are hopeful that Mal will sign a new deal.
"We're meeting him and there will definitely be a decision made regarding his future. We don't want to lose him."
Injury will again force utility star Ian Sibbit to miss the Saints game but Andrew Brocklehurst could return after missing Monday's home defeat by Leeds.
Simms added: "We face a quick turnaround ahead of Friday's game but should be near to full strength for what is another very important game."
Wigan Warriors players have been told to expect to see Brian Noble in the coach's hot seat by Thursday.
Surprise
Noble, meanwhile, was still in charge of Bradford for Tuesday night's game with Huddersfield.
It's understood that former Warriors hooker Terry Newton, who joined the Bulls in the off season, could make a surprise return to Wigan alongside Noble.
Meanwhile, Wigan are still strongly linked with top Aussie star Trent Barrett for next season.
Warrington chief executive Andy Gatcliffe believes there could be a near full house at the Halliwell Jones stadium for Sunday's clash with Bradford.
Gatcliffe said: "There is tremendous interest in this game and I'm hoping we can have a very big gate and also that our fans will be extremely vocal for what could be a tremendous occasion."
Coach Paul Cullen is continuing to assess the fitness of utility back Chris Bridge who missed the win at Castleford after twisting an ankle against Salford.
Lee Briers came through against Castleford unscathed after being pulled out of the Good Friday derby with the Reds.
Rochdale Hornets have signed former Leeds Academy player Ian Gordon until the end of the season but have been beaten by Leigh to the signature of Batley's Neil Rowden.
Paul Ballard has also joined the Centurions.
Rob Whittaker has been forced to leave Swinton Lions after failing to train regularly due to work commitments.
Dave Llewellyn sustained a rib injury against Blackpool and is being assessed by coach Paul Kidd. Tweet
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Salford will do well if Mal signs. He is a great asset to the team. He should be seriously recognized into this upcoming Tri Nations GB squad in Australia.
Mal will stay, but will miss GB selection as Brian Noble signs for Wigan, still leaves Wigan at the bottom at the end of SL season but 6 wigan players still picked for tri-nations.