Gillingham are closing in on a new deal for left-back Joe Martin.

Martin was a key man for the Gills as they clinched the League 2 title but will soon be a free agent. The 24-year-old is coming to the end of a two year contract at the Gills.

Last season he played 41 times for Martin Allen’s side, taking his total appearances with the Gills to 97, having first signed for the club halfway through the 2010/11 season.

Gillingham opened contract negotiations with the former Tottenham youth player towards the end of last year but in December chairman Paul Scally admitted the parties were “some way apart.”

Progress has been made, however, and boss Allen is confident a deal can be concluded soon.

“He is very, very close to agreeing a deal now,” said Allen.

“Hopefully that will be done next week. That will be a big weight off my mind.”

The Gills announced their first signing of the season on Monday, as 23-year-old former Blackburn and Preston midfielder Amine Linganzi agreed a two-year-deal.

Allen still hopes to sign Deon Burton, Andy Frampton and Tommy Forecast – members of last season’s squad – but has yet to offer them deals as he weighs up his options.

Frampton is still away on holiday, currently in New Zealand, while Burton was involved in the recent Barbados Legends Tournament in the Caribbean.

Burton’s Caribbean All stars team won the masters tournament.