Gillingham have emerged as front-runners for the capture of Dover striker Adam Birchall after meeting their asking price.

The Gills’ initial bid for the striker was dismissed as a “joke” by Dover on Friday but a new bid has now been accepted.

Bids over the weekend from Gillingham’s League 2 rivals Swindon Town and AFC Wimbledon have already been accepted, but the Kent club seem likely to be Birchall’s prefered destination.

Speaking on Dover’s official website, chairman Jim Parmenter said: “Paul Scally (Gillingham chairman) has now met our valuation for the player. The deal will go through if Adam agrees personal terms with Gillingham.”

"adam showed a desire to go to gillingham.” – jim parmenter

Gillingham will need to fork out a big five-figure fee for the striker and that will be paid in one up-front payment, something Whites were keen on in the brokering of any deal.

Parmenter added: “Adam showed a desire to go to Gillingham so after the great service he has given us, and our gentleman’s agreement to let him talk to Football League clubs, we have granted him that wish.”

Maidstone-based Birchall, who is a coach at a soccer academy, is soon to be a father and so a move out of Kent seems unlikely.

Birchall hit over 40 goals for Blue Square Bet South side Dover last season and was the key-man when Whites knocked Gillingham out of the FA Cup last season.