Martin Allen remains on the look-out for new recruits but knows big players cost big money.

The Gills manager lost out to Port Vale for the services of Lee Hughes this week and also cooled his interest in Crystal Palace midfielder David Wright last week as the finances required became too much.

Allen (pictured) said: ““Good players are expensive and clubs don’t want to let good players go and good players are wanted by other clubs, the wages go up and the figures go up pretty quick.

“We have got our eyes on other people but we have to make sure they fit into the work ethic of our other players and they fit into our team.

“We will only bring in people that we feel are going to improve the starting XI. There is no point bringing in more players just for the sake of it.”

The Gills chairman is currently taking a break but Allen is in constant communication with him, in what is a busy period while the transfer window is open. Allen was working from 5.30am on Tuesday to try and negotiate a deal for Hughes.

“We are in regular contact and holidays are never really like they were in the old days, with email and telephone links,” said the Gills boss.

And while players could arrive before the January deadline ends, others could leave.

Three players, Connor Essam, Ross Flitney and Ben Strevens, are all available on free transfers.

“There have been offers and yes we are looking at different things but we will see how that pans out through the week,” said Allen.

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