Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has been given the go-ahead to bolster his squad with at least three loan signings.

Stimson has been handed some of the money generated from the club’s FA Cup run and new signings were expected to start arriving this week.

Charlton’s transfer-listed striker Chris Dickson remains a top target and Stimson believes the Gills still have a good chance of capturing him, despite interest from other clubs.

Stimson said: “Hopefully we can bring in one or two, or possibly three players.

“I spoke to Dicko and we’ve got half a chance. There is a club higher up who are interested in him and if that doesn’t happen in the early part of the week then we might be in the hat."

Stimson almost added a new face to the squad for Saturday’s trip to Morecambe but the deal took longer than expected.

The Gills boss is expecting former skipper Andrew Crofts to complete a deal with Peterborough at least until the end of the season.

“I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t stay at Peterborough,” said Stimson.

“Whether it’s to the end of the season on loan or they do a permanent deal that’s entirely up to them.”

Stimson was planning to use Wednesday’s reserve match at Brighton to take a look at up to five trialists, including 19-year-old Charlton midfielder Harry Arter.