Rene Howe challenges against Southampton Picture: Barry Goodwin

by Luke Cawdell

A permanent deal for Rene Howe looks remote due to Gillingham’s financial constraints, despite the forward impressing again after scoring the opener in Saturday’s win over Southampton.

Howe stated his desire to sign long-term for the Gills after the match and manager Mark Stimson was just as keen to keep the striker but Peterborough’s asking price and the player’s wages make the deal unlikely.

Stimson said: "Rene has done very well but unfortunately he is contracted to Peterborough and there is a large fee needed so that probably blows us out of the way.

"He is someone I have chased before and liked but he might be out of our bracket.

"If we had the finances then we would love to bring players like Rene Howe to the club. They will only make the club better.

"The last time we spoke (with Peterborough) it was a lot of money and whether that changes in the summer we don’t know. The chairman has probably tried a couple of times but the fee is still something we probably can’t get near and the lad is also on a good contract."

The Gills are currently paying around half of the player’s wages after signing him until the end of the season on loan.

Howe has a year to go on his current deal with the Posh but has already made his mind up that he doesn’t want to return to London Road.

He said: "Sometimes you have to move on no matter what happens. If it’s gone past its time, move on.

"We are just waiting between the two clubs to maybe agree something and if I can get my personal terms sorted then why not? It’s a good club."

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