Olly Lee is staying with Gillingham for the rest of the season despite competition for his signature.

The club have managed to agree a deal with parent club Hearts and the player to continue what has so far been a successful loan.

Lee joined Gillingham towards the end of August on a deal that was set to expire on January 27.

He has been a mainstay in Steve Evans' side, playing just behind the strikers, making 25 appearances for the Gills this season so far.

A number of other clubs were interested in the midfielder, with Portsmouth, Ipswich and Luton among those believed to have been keen.

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But Lee - who has a deal with Hearts until the summer of 2021 - has found a club which he is happy with and that was an important factor in choosing to stay with the Gills.

Evans, speaking to the club website, said: "He has had the opportunity to speak to other interested clubs, notably two in our league who are higher in the table than us.

"He made it clear that his preference was to stay at Gillingham; he has enjoyed the first half of the season, he has played a big part.

"He has been exceptional in some games. I was down yesterday because I thought we might be without him for Posh. Thank You to Hearts for making it happen."

The new deal is subject to international clearance.

It's the second bit of business to be completed by the Gills today having agreed a loan deal with Ipswich Town forward Jordan Roberts.

Evans said Roberts will be a hit with the fans.