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Transfer deadline day: Gillingham manager Steve Evans waiting on Championship clubs; Tom Eaves linked with Portsmouth move; Possible Priestfield move for QPR striker Charlie Kelman

Gillingham manager Steve Evans has been given the green light to sign a striker or two but is holding tight.

Evans is waiting patiently in the hope that his top picks will become available before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night. Clubs have until 11pm to get their summer business completed.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans willing to be patient as he hunts a striker
Gillingham manager Steve Evans willing to be patient as he hunts a striker

“We will hope to do one or two bits,” said the Gills boss.

“We are trying and we will continue to try, but we will only bring players in who can help us, there is no point bringing in more of the same, we need to bring a player or two who we think can help us.

“We are talking to clubs now but because we want better players and those who will help us we are in a queue. There are clubs moving players around in the Championship and we are patiently waiting.

“We have permission to take those players if they can do some business but we have to be patient and wait. It is a game of risk.

“I could go and bring two or three in tomorrow with the chairman’s blessing, he has already said do it, but if they don’t help us then what is the point? There is no point me bringing a player in if they don’t help the team.

“(The chairman) has said to get a couple in if we want to do that and he is prepared to keep the players we have despite the offers coming in.”

A striker is Evans’ no.1 priority, someone who can play up alongside Vadaine Oliver. The club have been linked with a move for QPR's 19-year-old striker Charlie Kelman.

Despite being transfer listed since the end of last season John Akinde remains at the Gills. If he leaves on deadline day then Evans will want two strikers in, if he stays then one will do.

Will Akinde leave? Evans doubts anyone will, saying: “I think it is unlikely John will leave but it was an unbelievable offer from Bristol Rovers, a Championship offer, but he turned it down and I am not expecting anyone to leave.”

Akinde has been struggling with an ankle injury but should be fit by the time they play in League 1 next, against Burton Albion on September 11. Alex MacDonald should also be fit.

Clubs in League 1 have been busy with several former Gills players on the move.

Crewe have signed Celtic midfielder Scott Robertson on loan for the rest of the season. He had a spell at Gills in the first half of last term before leaving and then joining Doncaster.

Former striker Brandon Hanlan has signed a three year deal at Wycombe Wanderers after leaving Bristol Rovers. Both he and Max Ehmer left the Gills last summer but the club ended up dropping into League 2.

The brother of Gills midfielder Olly Lee, meanwhile, has moved to Charlton Athletic. Forward Elliot Lee has joined from Luton Town on loan for the rest of the season. Gillingham's match with Charlton, originally scheduled for this Saturday, has been postponed.

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