Gillingham: Priestfield Stadium used as security for investment by Brad Galinson

Paul Scally has owned Gillingham for 27 years

The freehold of Gillingham's Priestfield Stadium is being used as security for an investment into the club by businessman Brad Galinson.

The Florida-based property magnate has been linked with a takeover of the League Two strugglers.

It appears a deal could be drawing closer as a 'Registration of a Charge' has been filed with Companies House.

Gillingham have been owned by Paul Scally since 1995, although he has been looking for investment in the club.

It was earlier reported that the freehold of the stadium had been transferred to Galinson - however, it has not changed hands.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire told BBC Radio Kent: "In terms of the ownership (of the club) there is no impact as yet.

"It's effectively the same as a mortgage, if he (Bradley Galinson) has lent some money, he's effectively secured that on the stadium."

In August, Scally said he was taking a step back from the day-to-day running of the club due to abuse he had suffered from fans.

Paul Fisher returned to the club as chief executive.

It has been nearly a year since Scally said he was in talks with parties interested in investing in the club.

On the field, Neil Harris' side have struggled for goals, scoring only six times and winning two of their 19 league games so far to leave them in the relegation zone.

Only Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson has spent more time in charge of an English Football League club than Scally's 27 years at the Priestfield Stadium.

In that time his side have won four promotions and made three play-off finals, and they spent five seasons in the Championship from 2000.

The Gills were relegated from League One on the final day of last season.

This story was amended at 20:35 GMT on 30 November having initially suggested that the freehold of the club had been transferred.