Gillingham keeper Paulo Gazzaniga could return to the club on a season-long loan even if a big-money deal is completed this summer.

Premier League clubs are understood to be lining up to sign the rookie Argentine keeper (pictured), with Southampton and Everton among the sides believed to be interested.

The 19-year-old, labelled as a £1million player last season by former boss Andy Hessenthaler, stood in for injured keeper Ross Flitney during the second half of last season and quickly attracted the attention of scouts nationwide.

New Gills boss Martin Allen has revealed a deal could be struck that means Gazzaniga will still be playing for the club – even if he is sold.

Allen said: "I think he will be here at the start of the season and if there is a deal to be done then hopefully it will be with a view to keeping him here on loan, for one more year.

"That would be good for Paulo and obviously it would be good for this club because he is a good goalkeeper. Hopefully he can stay here for one more year and achieve something special at Gillingham before he moves on.

"It’s what the chairman is hoping to do."