Gillingham boss Martin Allen insists any deals dished out for promising young players will be done on a shoestring.

The League 2 champions are attracting plenty of interest from aspiring footballers but Allen wants characters who care more about the football than their pay cheque.

Allen said: “The rule I have with all of the young players that I sign is that it’s always minimal, lowest possible wages, which they can just about survive on. To be a professional footballer at that age and to be involved with our club, the champions, what a fantastic club to join.”

The Gills boss proved during the title-winning season that he is prepared to reward those who work hard and impress.

He took a keen interest in the development side last season, watching all of their matches and playing many of the youngsters in the season finale at Burton.

Allen said: “I think it is important that the young players know that the manager is interested in them.

“Yes, they have to work hard but what I do know is, whatever happens at the end of their contract, I don’t think any of them could walk away saying that I haven’t given them the best opportunity, the best training and the best grounding."

Allen is set to hand former Sheffield Wednesday player Harry Grant a contract, with ex-Charlton academy striker Tom Derry also expected to join the ranks at Priestfield. Of last season’s young pros, left-back Joe Carter is also being offered a new deal.