Gillingham have had an offer for Dagenham striker Paul Benson turned down and manager Mark Stimson insists they won’t be upping their bid.

Benson netted 21 goals for the Daggers in League 2 last season, despite missing almost a month through injury and Stimson (pictured) was keen to add the striker to his squad.

Reports of the Gills offering £150,000 for the 30-year-old striker, who has a year left on his contract, have, however, been laughed off by Stimson.

"I wish I had £150,000 to spend!" said Stimson. "We’ve been told by the player’s advisors how much was required and we made a bid but unfortunately the price has been blown way, way out of proportion.

"We’re not raising the bid. The lad’s advisors have told us he can leave for a certain amount and we were willing to pay that but it was nowhere near £150,000.

"They probably realise the boy wants to go and they are trying to up the ante – maybe trying to get other clubs involved. We’re still interested in the player and we’ll have to see what happens."

Free-agent Glenn Poole remains on Stimson’s radar but the Gills boss admitted he has a target for a player in the same position who he wants to sign ahead of the former Brentford midfielder.

"If we get him, then a deal with Glenn might not happen," said Stimson. "I’ve told him we should know that in a couple of weeks."