Gillingham linked with Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris along with Charlton Athletic – Gills’ head coach Stephen Clemence says it’s news to him

Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence has responded to speculation the club are interested in buying a proven League 1 striker.

It’s been reported that the Gills have made an enquiry for Peterborough United striker Jonson Clarke-Harris - a player also on the radar of Charlton Athletic.

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Gills’ head coach Stephen Clemence appeared to distance the club from the speculation, however, saying on Thursday: "I am not going to comment on other people’s players but that is news to me."

The Peterborough Telegraph had confirmed Gills’ interest in the 29-year-old earlier in the week.

Gillingham have found trouble hitting the net for some time and are the lowest scorers in League 2 with just 21 goals from their 25 matches.

Finding a finisher is key to Gillingham’s January transfer business and Clarke-Harris knows where the net is, although he’s unlikely to come cheap.

With Charlton reportedly having a £450,000 bid rejected the Gills will have to splash the cash if they want their man and they may be willing to do so, having lost out to rivals Charlton in the summer as they pursued Alfie May.

May has gone on to score 19 goals this season for the Addicks, almost as many as the entire Gillingham team have netted in the league.

Clarke-Harris has scored 75 goals in 149 league appearances for Posh since returning to the club in August 2020. He’s already in double figures this season, with 10 from 24 games, but his club would be willing to sell.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony, talking on his Hard Truth podcast, said: “Charlton want him, their chief exec used to be my chief exec, they’ve put in bids. We’ve turned them down. Charlton are not a million miles away, I’m not saying £350-400k, but