STRIKER Gary Wales is set to join Rod Wallace in being released by Gillingham.

The 25-year-old Scot, who has played for Hamilton, Hearts and Walsall, made six appearances for the Gills last season, scoring once in the 5-2 home defeat to Coventry.

During his short spell he struggled with a knee injury which required an operation over the summer and it looks increasingly likely he will be replaced by former Norwich player-of-the-year Iwan Roberts.

Player-coach Andy Hessenthaler said: "We did not see enough of Wales and if the Roberts deal goes through it's very unlikely he'll be offered a contract."

Roberts could be Gillingham's only signing this summer, but if he does snub other offers to join the club as a player-coach it leaves little money for other deals.

Hess continued: "The most important thing is Iwan wants to come to this club. If he does it's possible he will be our one and only addition to the squad.

"He's seen the set-up we have here and it's interested him because he sees it as a chance to further his career in a coaching capacity at a Division 1 club.

"We're close, but it's frustrating because it comes down to finances and, as always, money is tight. I feel confident, but will not let the situation run and run and hope he will be with us to start training on July 1."

If the bid for Roberts fails Hessenthaler will turn his attention to Paul Heffernan, who because of his age will have to go to a tribunal.

Bristol City are reported to have made Notts County a six-figure sum with an add on clause for the 22-year-old, but personal terms have not been agreed.

Hessenthaler said: "If the Roberts deal does not come off we will continue to pursue Heffernan.

"However, tribunals have changed and are now binding, so if you take a player to one, you have to pay. It's a risk because if we're landed with a £200,000 bill we haven't got that kind of money."

Hessenthaler has revealed David Perpetuini will only be offered a short-term deal. The 24-year-old midfielder missed the second half of last season after snapping his cruciate ligament.

He said: "It's a difficult one because he's suffered an awful injury, but we're hoping he'll agree to a month-to-month contract while he proves he's 100 per cent fit."

On a positive note the Gills boss has scotched rumours that player-of-the-season Danny Spiller is off to Southampton or West Ham.

He said: "I have heard nothing. Certainly if Southampton had made a £750,000 bid I would have thought the chairman, or myself, would be the first to know.

"All this transfer talk does not surprise me though because Danny had a superb season, but I don't think he's ready for the step up to The Premiership just yet and he'll be the first to agree."