Gillingham and Salford are set to do battle to sign midfielder Jack Payne.

The Huddersfield midfielder spent last season on loan at Bradford City and is looking to find a new home for the coming campaign.

The 24-year-old is highly regarded as a skilful play-maker which is why both Gillingham and Salford are reportedly trying to bring the diminutive midfielder to their respective clubs.

Last season Payne struggled in a poor Bradford side and was unable to prevent the Bantams getting relegated but he still led the team with 31 chances created, 95 successful dribbles and 31 accurate key passes.

Gillingham, now under Steve Evans, have been busy in the transfer market already this summer but are not finished yet.

Alan Nixon reported that it is they and Salford who are currently leading the race to bag Payne’s signature but whether they can afford his wages remains to be seen.

Salford do have financial clout having already brought Richie Towell to the club from Premier League Brighton and will be more likely to have the money to bring in Payne but the offer of League One football plays to Gillingham’s advantage.

Payne has had success in League One, starring at Oxford before finishing the season at Blackburn in 2017-18 and netted eight times for the Bantams last season.