Eastbourne Borough have offered a permanent deal to Tom Derry.

The young forward, who has been on a youth loan at Priory Lane, is on the verge of leaving Gillingham.

Borough boss Tommy Widdrington would like to sign him.

He said: “He is negotiating a severance with Gillingham. Until that is sorted, he won’t be playing for us.

“If he does that, I have made him an offer until the end of the season and he is somebody we think there is life in beyond the end of the season.”

Borough host Havant and Waterlooville with doubts over Chris Shephard (hamstring) and Sam Cole (knee).

However, Simon Johnson and Manny Akokhia both came through training and are in contention for a place.

James Stinson also made a return to training following a knee injury which has kept him out since January although he is not yet ready to be considered for match action.

Widdrington is not looking to replace former Albion favourite Gary Hart who was released by the club earlier this week.

He said: “It may depend how close we go (to the play-offs). I haven’t asked for more money, I’m happy with the squad. If we can re-sign Tom Derry I would be happy with that.”