Gillingham's search for another striker continues, however boss Steve Evans believes his chances have been improved through a Premier League contact.

This comes after the Gills boss stated the club have no more funds available, however his contact has managed to pull in a favour, according to the Scotsman. So far in the transfer window, Evans has brought in 11 new signings (nine permanent, two on loan) but still believes more players are needed in his squad.

Evans was hoping to move on Christian Maghoma and John Akinde before the opening game against Lincoln City, however both remain at the club at this moment in time. Due to a lack of forward options, Gills' strike partnership in Tuesday's Carabao Cup victory against Crawley Town was new signing Mustapha Carayol and 18-year old Gerald Sithole. The only other forward option available at this point is main striker Vadaine Oliver, as Akinde is still sidelined with an ankle problem.

The main targets for Gills in the remainder of this transfer window, which shuts on August 31st are another forward if Akinde does move on, as well as some cover which Evans believes is required. The Scot is hoping to get one of those deals done after Saturday's trip to Plymouth Argyle

Here is what the Gills manager had to say in an interview with KentOnline:

“I think we are doing one (deal) after Saturday,”

"The kid is maybe involved with the first team in the Premier League (at the weekend), then he is possibly coming here. I think he is in on Monday and that is someone we know who is helping us.

“We will let Saturday go past and try and make that happen on Monday. People are trying to help us, we have no funds.

“We are still trying to do a forward.

"We need one. We need to get John Akinde back fit. John has an ankle knock and there is nothing to it, it is days, if it is a week, it is a week, but he is a proper striker in this league and we need him fit as well. If he goes out we need two strikers and if he doesn’t then we need one.

"We need some strikers, one or two, certainly one.”

The Verdict

It is clear to see that more forward options are needed for Gillingham, and whether this anonymous potential Premier League signing is their only recruit between now and the 31st remains to be seen. The only potential dilemma is if this target is also being looked at by other clubs in the division, and that is probably the big problem for clubs like the Gills due to some of the massive clubs in League One.

This signing will prove beneficial to their season as a whole if it does go ahead, as an added goal threat with Premier League quality will more than likely boost the Gills' chances of building on their 10th place finish last season. It will also be of a benefit to youngsters such as Harvey Lintott and Gerald Sithole, with this new signing having an effect on their chances of playing every week, meaning they won't be rushed into the starting XI which is a possibility right now due to the lack of options in attacking areas.