Andy Hessenthaler has dismissed suggestions he could be lining up a summer move for Dover’s 41-goal striker Adam Birchall.

Dover issued a "hands-off" warning on their official website after seeing Gillingham manager Hessenthaler, assistant Nicky Southall and chairman Paul Scally at their match with Havant on Monday night.

Hessenthaler insists Birchall is not on his wish-list, with Gillingham instead trying to talk Championship side Norwich into parting company with striker Cody McDonald on a permanent basis.

He said: "I have known Birchall for a number of years and put him on a contract there.

"I am sure he will be there next year, but he is not the type of player we are really looking for.

"We are hoping to do a deal to keep Cody. Birchall is under contract there and he wouldn’t be for us.

"I earmarked the game because Connor Essam is there on loan, but unfortunately he picked up an injury on Saturday with a bit of concussion.

"The chairman (Mr Scally) is in the country for a week. I said I would go down to the game and he came along. It obviously set tongues wagging but it was just nice to go and watch a game."

Hessenthaler has left Mr Scally in charge of negotiations to bring 22-goal striker McDonald to Priestfield on a permanent basis.

"I think everyone is just waiting to see what happens at the end of the season," he said.