Whitehaven will remain focused on their plans for League One despite speculation about cash-strapped Bradford Bulls.

Carl Forster and his players met last night at the Recreation Ground for their second training session in the build-up to the 2017 kick-off.

Nothing has changed, despite Bradford having been warned they could be relegated after having their membership withdrawn by the Rugby Football League.

Neither Whitehaven nor Barrow, who also would have claims to replace Bradford in the Championship, have been approached about such a possible move.

The RFL is keeping tight-lipped as to what fate will befall Bulls – a points deduction, but staying in the Championship, or starting from scratch in League One among the possibilities.

A decision is not likely to be taken until administrators have resolved the immediate future of the Odsal club. They are in familiar territory as this is the third time in five years the Bulls have gone into administration.

Clearly the RFL’s patience has snapped, hence the withdrawal of membership, but it’s the next step which could affect other clubs.

Joint administrator Gary Pettit says he is confident he can find a suitable buyer and, working alongside the governing body, expects rapid developments.

A statement issued by Northampton-based PBC Business Recovery said: "After further discussions, both Mr Pettit and the RFL have agreed that they will continue to work constructively together.

"This is in order to achieve the swiftest and most effective outcome for all stakeholders - including staff, fans, sponsors, creditors and others."

The administrators have said they have received at least six genuine expressions of interest.

Former Bradford City co-chairman Mark Lawn and London-based businessman Richard Lamb, who were both keen to take over the crisis-torn club during their last spell in administration in 2014, are among those to have expressed an interest and it is thought Mandy Koukash, wife of Salford owner Dr Marwan Koukash, could also revive her interest.