Steve Evans is keen to tie young defender Jack Tucker to a long-term deal.

The 20-year-old centre-half has become a regular starter and the Gills manager admits there has been plenty of interest in their young prospect.

Evans says that the club have already had talks with Tucker’s representatives over a new contract. His current deal expires in the summer.

“It would be fair to say that we already have considerable interest in Jack, from higher levels, but he is just a baby,” Evans said.

“He is maturing nicely in a League 1 side. I don’t think it would help him if he goes and plays in someone’s under-23s.

“He needs to continue longer with us, that was my view to the chairman and he endorsed it and agreed. I think Jack will, too.

“He has only ever said he wants to play for Gillingham. He is a Gillingham boy, but young men get promised all sorts of nonsense by people that look after them, not that Jack has, but it happens.

“I think the chairman has had conversations with the people that look after Jack, and Jack himself.”

Gills would be entitled to compensation if Tucker did leave without signing a new deal as he’s under 24. Evans will be hoping to get some clarity before the new year.

He said: “I am confident that the chairman and the people that look after Jack will come to an agreement very soon.

“We’re only in the first few days of December but Jack knows.

“I spoke to him before he was in the first team about getting him on a more secure longer-term footing. We want to be part of that group of people that get him to where he should be.”

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Tucker has made 15 appearances this season and Evans thinks he is at a pivotal point in his career.

He said: “He has to continue to work hard on his game and the minute he gets carried away I will drop him out of the team like a stone.

“Look at DJ (Oldaker) who was here when I arrived. Everyone thought what a brilliant player.

“The kid’s career could have gone one of two ways. The kid was a smashing lad but I can only assume he got involved with the wrong people and it takes your focus away.

“If your focus goes, then you are not as good as you should be. It broke my heart to release him.”