Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler doesn’t expect bids to come in for Jack Payne before the transfer window shuts on Wednesday night.

The 19-year-old (pictured) has started every game for the Gills this season and is a big asset to the club on and off the field.

Payne’s current deal runs until the summer of 2013 and Hessenthaler has warned any clubs on the lookout that they won’t be selling on the cheap.

Hessenthaler said: “We don’t envisage that happening at the moment. It would have to be some offer for us to lose Jack Payne.”

The Gills manager is currently focused on adding to the squad, rather than seeing anyone depart, and admits a new striker arriving before the deadline is far from guaranteed.

He is attempting to bring in a loan recruit but if he doesn’t get lucky this week the window for non-permanent signings opens again the following Wednesday.

“There is nobody in at the moment but I might get a phone call and it could happen very quickly,” he said.

“It will more than likely be a loan. If we can get someone in on loan it would be great but if it doesn’t happen we still have an opportunity to make it happen in the next couple of weeks.”

Hessenthaler is also awaiting offers for defensive duo Simon King and Garry Richards.

Both have expressed an interest to leave on loan but the Gills boss will be reluctant to let them both leave at the same time.

He said: ”I would be very nervous of that happening at this present time.

“We have to be mindful that Matt Lawrence is on four bookings and we have to be careful. I don’t envisage both going but one might. We will see what happens.”

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