TOM Eaves was on Oxford United’s wish-list during the summer, but he was too expensive.

The striker is Sky Bet League One’s top marksman with 11 goals from just 13 starts and will be Gillingham’s big attacking threat when they visit the Kassam Stadium tomorrow.

U’s boss Karl Robinson has long been an admirer of the 26-year-old (pictured, in blue), who netted 18 goals last season for the Kent club.

But an approach to Gills chairman Paul Scally was quickly abandoned.

Robinson said: “I’ve known Tom since he was a young boy and tried to sign him once or twice.

“We contacted Gillingham about him in the summer and we got an expensive answer.

“Their chairman is one of the most difficult businessmen you’re ever going to come across.

“He’s a top man, but he’d run (Tottenham’s) Daniel Levy close as one of the most difficult chairmen to deal with.”

Gillingham go into the game three points and four places above the U’s, but manager Steve Lovell said: “I think Oxford are in a false position.

“They’ve had a lot of injuries but they will be well organised.

“It’ll be a challenge but there’s no reason we can’t go there and get a result.”