by Matthew Panting

Gillingham have distanced themselves from signing former Wycombe midfielder Lewis Montrose and Fulham keeper Neil Etheridge.

Rumours have suggested that Gills are closing in on free agent Montrose while also agreeing a season-long loan for Etheridge from Premier League Fulham.

But assistant manager Ian Hendon said that neither player is currently on their wishlist.

He said: "Lewis is a decent player who has done well at Wycombe for the last couple of years but he isn’t one that we’ve spoken to."

As for Etheridge, Hendon insisted that Gillingham plan to sign their own permanent keeper rather than rely on a season-long loan.

He added: "We’d like to sign our own keeper. If the situation comes along due to injury or suspension, then we might need to go down the loan route."

As for work progressing on Gillingham’s summer transfer targets, Hendon stressed that talks are continuing despite the disruption of staff and players’ holidays.

"We’re quietly confident that we’ll get the players we want to," said Hendon.

"We’re still talking to our targets. We’ve spoken to a lot of players and we’re progressing well with them."

What do you make of Hendon's comments? Have your say below.