GUY Butters' on-off move from Gillingham to Brighton could be back on by the weekend while striker Kevin James may follow him out of Priestfield to Queen's Park Rangers.

Talks between Brighton and Butters broke down earlier this month when the 32-year-old centre-back failed to agree personal terms after Gillingham agreed to release him on a free.

Hinshelwood said at the time: “A future move cannot be ruled out. We made him a decent offer but he felt it was better to stay at Gillingham. But you never close the door completely.”

Now, without a win and lying fifth from bottom in the Nationwide League, Division 1, having leaked six goals in five games – four at home – Brighton are desperate to bolster their defence especially as they visit leaders and Butters’ former club Portsmouth on Saturday

Last night Hinshelwood asked Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler if Butters was still available and received encouragement. With Gillingham having signed Leon Johnson, who like Butters is naturally left-sided centre-back, Hessenthaler has cover in that position.

Meanwhile, former Charlton winger James, who has remained on Gillingham’s first team fringe since his arrival from Canvey Island in July, 2000, is wanted by Queens Park Rangers after scoring twice and impressing manager Ian Holloway against their reserves at Priestfield last week.

There is speculation that Holloway is prepared to pay £70,000 for James, signed by Gillingham on a free.