Gillingham will only sell Jack Payne if it’s right for them.

Championship side Birmingham City could be lining up a bid for the in-demand 21-year-old.

But Gills chairman Paul Scally is keen to keep hold of the midfielder and insists he’s under no pressure to sell.

Peterborough United have also indicated that they may make a move for Cliffe youngster.

Speaking on Wednesday, before jetting off to the Football League managers’ conference, Mr Scally said: “I have heard that Birmingham are interested in him and I have had a missed call from Birmingham but not had chance to talk to them yet.”

Mr Scally has seen Payne progress from the club’s youth structure before impressing in the first team.

He spent the back end of last season on loan at Peterborough, where he impressed the home fans at London Road.

The Gills chairman said: “He is raring to go and I think he is quite happy to stay with us next year and fight for his place. It has done him good to go and play football at Peterborough.

“We are not particularly looking to sell Jack Payne and would like to have him next year.

"I am under no pressure to sell him and would be more than happy if he stays and did his stuff with us because I think he has grown up a lot in the last six months to a year.”