MK Dons have won the battle for Kieran Agard’s signature.

The in-demand forward was understood to have been a target for Gills boss Steve Evans.

Agard scored 22 goals for MK Dons last season, firing them to promotion in League 2.

His contract was set to expire at the end of the month but the 29-year-old forward has decided to stay put, signing new terms.

He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed last season and I want to have more times like that here - I’m looking to build on last season.”

The Gills are in for a number of strikers, with manager Steve Evans considering loan and permanent deals.

He’s been linked with some exciting young players, including Brighton’s Aaron Connolly and Norwich City youngster Adam Idah.

Former Colchester United striker Mikael Mandron has also been mentioned as a possible target for the Gills. Scottish side Hearts are also reported to be interested.

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Gillingham are short of fire power with Brandon Hanlan their only senior striker. It’s a position Elliott List can play but Evans sees him more of a wide player.

Last season's leading scorer Tom Eaves seems almost certain to leave.

Agard’s decision to stick with MK will be a blow for Evans, having enjoyed working with the striker during his successful spell at Rotherham, but he’s got plenty of other options.

He recently said: “Gone are the days when a manager puts his eggs in one basket.

“If I go to Paul Scally (the Gills chairman) with just one striker he’s going to turn around and say ‘well, you’re not very good if you only know one striker’. If he says no and it doesn’t happen, (do) we play with no strikers?”

Elsewhere in League 1, Coventry City have signed former Gills defender Josh Pask. He spent a brief spell at Priestfield on loan from West Ham.

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