GILLINGHAM risk losing both Iffy Onuora and Marcus Browning as the crisis caused by the collapse of ITV Digital tightened its squeeze at Priestfield.

Player-manager Andy Hessenthaler's hopes of renewing their deals before the end of the season have been hit by chairman Paul Scally's freeze on contract re-negotiations caused by uncertainty over what compensation will be forthcoming from ITV Digital owners Carlton-Granada.

Mr Scally should have a clearer idea tomorrow when all Nationwide Division 1 chairmen meet in Manchester for an update of the situation.

Striker Onuora has been offered an extra year but wants a two-year extension to his existing contract while midfielder Browning and his agent remain in contract talks. Speculation has persisted that Onuora could be offered a role on Priestfield's coaching staff. Both will become Bosman free transfers in June if agreements cannot be reached.

Hessenthaler said: "Ideally I would like things sorted before Saturday's final match of the season at Watford so we can all go away for the summer safe in the knowledge that issues over contracts have been resolved. But the chairman has stated that everything is on hold until we have a clearer idea over what's happening over the ITV Digital deal."

Mark Saunders has agreed a two-year extension to his contract but has yet to sign the deal. Assistant manager Richard Hill and coach Wayne Jones are also involved in contract re-negotiations.

Meanwhile, Hessenthaler has been quick to dismiss national newspaper speculation that Gillingham were poised to make a fresh offer for long-time transfer target Bruce Dyer following Barnsley's relegation. "It's just speculation," he insisted. "I have not spoken to anyone at Barnsley concerning Bruce Dyer."