GILLINGHAM believe they are still in a strong position to bring Iwan Roberts to Priestfield next season, despite contrary national press reports.

Roberts, who was released by Norwich in April, is currently on holiday in America where he has been linked to a move into Major League Soccer.

The striker, who will be 36 later this month, has attracted interest from Swansea, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull and Swiss side Basle.

But Murray Evans, head of media at Gillingham, said: “We do not think the deal is dead. Far from it, as we are still keen to sign him and we have a further meeting planned for the early part of next week.

“Bearing in mind his reluctance to relocate his family away from Norwich, we believe a move to the USA or Switzerland is unlikely and that we are still front runners.”

Gillingham hope to sign Roberts as a player-coach, allowing him to share his expertise with the club’s younger forwards.

One player that won’t be joining Andy Hessenthaler’s team is David Graham after Torquay chairman Mike Bateson confirmed on Wednesday that his transfer had been completed following Wigan Athletic’s improved £215,000 offer.