Chris Whelpdale in action for the Gills at Macclesfield Pic: Barry Goodwin

Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler faces a battle to lure Peterborough duo Chris Whelpdale and Charlie Lee to Priestfield.

The two players have been put on the transfer list by League 1 play-off winners Peterborough and Hessenthaler is among a number of managers interested in signing them.

But according to Peterborough’s director of football, Barry Fry (pictured, right), the Gills have yet to agree a transfer fee for either player.

League 2 newboys Crawley have agreed a price for both players but Fry stated that neither Whelpdale or Lee are likely to move to Broadfield Stadium. Both players spent time on loan at Priestfield last season but returned to help Peterborough clinch promotion to the Championship at the end of the campaign.

Hessenthaler said: "Once they became available people would know that we would be interested. They are good players and two players we loved having at the football club but I don’t think it’s as easy as what it looks (to sign them).

"They have been put up for transfer and so there is obviously a fee involved for both of them. Whether we can do anything on that front remains to be seen.

"I am sure other teams in the division would like them and teams in League 1 would like (to sign) them too.

"There are going to be a lot of competitors out there but what could be in our favour is that they came here and they enjoyed their time here.

"I am hoping the chairman (Paul Scally) will speak to Barry Fry (Peterborough director of football) and whether they would like to come to us remains to be seen."

Any move for Lee is unlikely to happen for a few weeks as the player was due to get married on Sunday.

What do you think are the chances that Gillingham can land either player? Add your comment below.