Chris Whelpdale celebrates one of his three Gillingham goals Pic: B Goodwin

Andy Hessenthaler will step up his efforts to bring Peterborough midfielder Chris Whelpdale back to the club.

The Gillingham manager wants to strengthen his options for the season run-in before the loan transfer window shuts on Thursday.

Whelpdale, who enjoyed a successful loan period earlier this season, is top of Hessenthaler’s wishlist and the Gills will be negotiating with Peterborough director of football Barry Fry and manager Darren Ferguson to get a deal done for the rest of the season.

Hessenthaler said: "If there is an opportunity to do something before Thursday then the chairman and myself will try and do something."

Whelpdale scored three goals in four games for the Gills and his impact, along with fellow Peterborough loanee Charlie Lee, helped to finally kick-start the Kent club's season.

Gillingham were keen to extend Whelpdale's loan when he was at the club but Gary Johnson, who was manager at the time, insisted he must return. Now under Ferguson he again looks surplus to requirements. His last appearance for Posh was a month ago.

*For more on this story read Monday's Medway Messenger newspaper.