Gillingham have signed Accrington midfielder Amine Linganzi on a two year deal.

The 23-year-old made 13 appearances for League 2 Accrington during the latter stages of last season.

He has previously been with Blackburn, who released him in January, and also had a loan spell at Preston.

Gills boss Martin Allen said: “Before his injuries, it looked like he was heading for the top, and now he is fully recovered.

“I believe we have a player who can helps us march onwards and upwards.

“He is a midfield player, he is massive and he was the best central midfield player that played at Priestfield last season. He will prove to be a good signing.”

The Gills beat Accrington 1-0 that day, when the clubs met in March.

Algerian-born Linganzi - who won a cap for Congo in 2012 - joined Accrington in February on a deal until he end of the season.

Linganzi began his professional career in France, with Saint-Étienne.

He is the first of several new arrivals expected at Priestfield this summer.

Allen added: “Many people are currently on holiday but myself and the chairman are in touch every day to see what’s happening.”