GILLINGHAM chairman Paul Scally has challenged unsettled striker Marlon King to submit a transfer request if he is so keen to leave Priestfield.

Speaking to the TEAMtalk website, the Gillingham chairman reiterated that talk of King leaving the club for Nottingham Forest was pure speculation.

"Marlon is our player and will remain so unless we receive an official transfer request," he stressed.

Mr Scally was responding to comments this week from the player's agent, Mark Curtis, who was quoted as saying that King was desperate to join Forest. Mr Curtis also added: "Marlon is under contract for another 18 months and the matter is now closed."

In a statement issued on the club's official website, Mr Scally said: "Marlon has not told me he wants to leave. He has always given 100 per cent to the club and I'm sure he will continue to do so."

Forest are believed to have offered £1.2 million for King which is short of Gillingham's £1.5 million valuation.