Benson was Dagenham's top scorer with 21 goals last season

Gillingham have put on hold their attempts to sign Dagenham and Redbridge striker Paul Benson.

Gills boss Mark Stimson claims he was led to believe by the striker's agent that he was available for only £25,000, but Dagenham actually want £150,000.

Stimson told BBC Radio Kent: "Dagenham have gone crazy and said this crazy amount in one of the national papers.

"That's not something we're going to get involved in because we haven't got that type of money."

Benson, 28, scored 21 goals for the League Two side last season.

Stimson added: "We can't entertain that (£150,000) so at the moment that's a bit dead and we'll have to move on.

"What we were told, to what that is - it's a million miles apart.

"That's unfortunate for the lad because his advisors are telling me he would love to come and join Gillingham.

The Kent club has been criticised by Dagenham for unsettling Benson.

But Stimson stated: "They should have told him the figure in the first place.

"It's like me telling one of my players they can go for a certain figure, then getting a club interested and putting an offer in, and then when he comes in, blow that figure way out of proportion."

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