Steve Lovell is still hopeful 20-goal Tom Eaves will remain at Priestfield this summer, despite his current contract being close to expiry.

The Kent Messenger reports that Lovell, a former 20-goal Gills striker himself, is keen to keep his talisman at the club beyond his current contract although the situation is 'out of his hands'.

Eaves bagged in the 4-2 win at Wimbledon this weekend which leaves his side 12th, five points clear of the drop zone. It's as close to safety as they could be with 47 points and already Lovell is looking forward to next season.

“It goes without saying that someone who scores 20 goals with seven games to go is the type of player we want to keep," Lovell said.

“It’s not just for his football ability but his personality, his work ethic, everything about him, he is such a nice lad. Apart from his goals, he has got better and better, especially in the last three or four months."

“He works hard and anybody looking at him (on Saturday) would like what they saw. He has loved it here at this football club. We would love him to stay but that is out of my hands."

Eaves joined the Gills from Yeovil in 2017, starting his career with Oldham before being snapped up by Bolton. Loan spells at Shrewsbury and Rotherham amongst others followed, before heading to Huish Park on a permanent deal.

His stay with the Gills has been the most prolific of his career, with 36 of his 56 league goals coming in the last two seasons.

The Verdict

Of course Lovell hopes to keep Eaves, he's been excellent for them over the last two years.

He's a real handful, tall and strong but with a dogged determination. He would do well to consider his options wisely. He's clearly a good fit at Gillingham, would that continue elsewhere?