Gillingham have offered professional deals to seven of their youth players.

All have been offered one year contracts and are expected to put pen to paper early next week, when pre-season training begins.

The seven include Jack Sellens, who was diagnosed with a serious heart defect two years ago.

The young Ashford-based forward has since made a full recovery, having undergone surgery.

Last year’s youth skipper Josh Staunton, who plays in central defence, is also one of the seven.

Former Arsenal junior Mahlon Romeo - who appeared for the first team at the end of the 2012/13 season has been offered terms, as has Gillingham-based forward Michael Freiter.

Completing the seven is winger Charlie Webster - who has already travelled with the first team - Hoo midfielder Aiden Blanchard and England youth keeper Tom Hadler.

Head of youth, Darren Hare, said: “All have been offered one year deals and the better they do the more they will earn. There are incentives to being involved in the team.

“Their basic contracts are small and it’s more about offering these boys an opportunity.

“It’s a chance for them to continue their development at the club on a full-time basis and we will see if they can make the grade.”