Adam Birchall is on the verge of completing his loan move to Dartford.

The 28-year-old striker is set to join the Darts on a five-month deal from Gillingham, having made six appearances on loan at Princes Park last season.

Birchall has fallen down the pecking order at Priestfield following the return of fellow strikers Adebayo Akinfenwa and Cody McDonald to the League 1 club.

Talks about a loan deal for Birchall have been ongoing for the last six weeks and Gills boss Martin Allen this week revealed Dartford’s interest.

Dartford manager Tony Burman admitted he was relieved by Allen’s decision to make the news public.

He said: “I’m glad Martin came out and said that because it’s taken a bit of pressure off. Talks have been going on for six weeks but I’ve had to stay quiet. I wanted to tell everybody but I’ve not been able to.

“It’s been going on through the summer. Martin’s had to do his wheeling and dealing, seeing what he’s brought in and that’s why he and I agreed to be patient.

“Adam wants to come to get games. Martin wants him to come here to get games and knows he can keep an eye on him while he’s here. We’ve got a decent relationship."