Gillingham have until Wednesday night to conclude any deal for a permanent replacement for injured striker Adam Birchall.

The transfer deadline for new signings closes in midweek and the clock is ticking for boss Andy Hessenthaler to bring in a fresh face to give him more attacking options.

Hessenthaler (pictured) has funds to make a new signing but concedes he may have to wait until the week after to bring in a loan player instead.

He said: "It could be the case that we go and get a loan in and we go from there, that could suit us better at the moment. We will have a look and see what goes on this week.

"You never know what could happen in the next couple of days. It is more likely it will happen afterwards though and it will be a loan."

The Gills had been linked with Charlton’s Paul Benson but Hessenthaler was playing down the rumours.

He said: "He is a good player and he has done very well but we haven’t spoken about him."

One player fans would like to see back is Cody McDonald. He remains out of favour at Premier League Norwich, who have made it clear he has no future there despite his 26 league goals for Gills last season.