GILLINGHAM striker Paul Shaw is today on the verge of joining Sheffield United.

The Blades, who visit the Priestfield stadium tomorrow, made an undisclosed bid for Shaw, which was rejected, but Gills chairman Paul Scally’s price is now likely to be met.

Shaw, who is out of contract at the end of the season, will leave just over a month after Marlon King joined Nottingham Forest to be replaced by Darius Henderson.

In his programme notes for tomorrow’s home, Mr Scally said: “He has gone about his move in an honourable way. We did not want him to leave. We never had doubt to reason his commitment or ability and he was one of the first names on Hess’ team-sheet.

“However, Paul made it clear a little while ago that he was ambitious to play at a higher level and he feels he has a better chance of achieving that aim with Sheffield United.

“He said that, even if we matched the terms he has been offered at Bramall Lane he would still want to go, so this is not about money but his genuine desire to try to reach the Premiership.”

As the striker prepared for life at Bramall Lane, Gills targeted Grimsby pair Michael Boulding and Alan Pouton after Mr Scally opened negotiations with Blundell Park opposite number Peter Furneaux in Sheffield last week.

Both players will be out of contract at the end of the season. Striker Boulding, 28, is Grimsby’s 12-goal leading scorer while 26-year-old Pouton is a left-sided midfielder.

In a strong hint that the face of Gillingham is about to change, Mr Scally said: “There are players out of contract at the end of the season and we’re looking at those contracts to see who we feel we want to retain.”