Gillingham have yet to agree a compensation package with Newport County for their manager Justin Edinburgh.

The 45-year-old is being targeted by the Gills as replacement for Peter Taylor.

Agreeing a fee for Edinburgh’s release has, however, proved a stumbling block.

The South Wales side want payment for their man and talks have been going on since Monday, so that the Gills can formally make an approach.

Edinburgh was at home in Essex on Friday while Newport assistant boss Jimmy Dack took charge of preparations for their match against AFC Wimbledon.

Dack and his team of coaches, which include former Gills midfielder Michael Flynn, have been asked to take charge this weekend.

The Gills are reported to have made three separate offers to Newport over a compensation fee. The League 2 side originally wanted just over £100,000.

Gills chairman Paul Scally was in dialogue with his Newport counterpart Lee Scadding on Friday after earlier discussions with the club’s director Howard Greenhaf proved fruitless.

Gillingham’s four-man caretaker team have continued to prepare for the game against Sheffield United at Priestfield on Saturday, regardless.

“We’re preparing for Saturday in the same way until we are told otherwise,” said coach Steve Lovell.

It is still possible that Edinburgh could be unveiled before that match against the Blades.

Newport assistant Dack – who hosted Friday’s pre-match press conference in Edinburgh’s absence – won’t, however, be joining Edinburgh should he get the job at Gills.

Dack confirmed he was staying put.

The former Welling United assistant manager said: “I am a loyal person and this club has been great to me and I will see the job through.”

That could mean Andy Hessenthaler remains as no.2 at the club.

Dack did, however, suggest location was key for Billericay-based Edinburgh, who had previously turned down a job offer from Portsmouth a year ago.

“It’s not the first club he’s turned down,” said Dack. “He’s turned down some big clubs to stay at Newport.

“This one just sits with him. And for whatever reason, and the biggest reason is location, it’s 45 minutes from his house.

“The travelling takes a toll, no doubt.”