Gillingham chairman Paul Scally insists midfielder Charlie Lee is going nowhere at present.

The Gills have been in talks with Southend over a proposed move for the former Tottenham youngster.

But Mr Scally revealed that there is a “massive gap” between the two clubs in their discussions.

“I don’t think he will be going to Southend, at the moment,” said Mr Scally.

“I think there is a massive gap to where we are and I think he will be staying at the club for the foreseeable future.”

Lee is one of Gillingham’s highest paid players, having moved to Priestfield from Peterborough two years ago.

But he has failed to find his top form, which he showed during an earlier loan spell. That brief loan spell had prompted the club to splash out on the combative midfielder.

At the time he had been one of former manager Andy Hessenthaler’s key summer recruits.

But the Gills chairman said: “Under two different managers it has not worked out as we would have hoped.

"I don’t think we have seen the best of Charlie Lee and I don’t think Hessy or Martin Allen have seen the best of Charlie Lee. It is a great shame really.”

Lee has been on the transfer list since last month, along with striker Adam Birchall.