John Egan would relish the chance to play alongside Max Ehmer again next season.

Gillingham’s player-of-the-year Egan formed a solid relationship in defence with the on-loan QPR man during the second half of the 2014-15 campaign.

Ehmer is contracted with QPR for another year but Gills boss Justin Edinburgh has already spoken of his desire to sign the 23-year-old defender permanently.

Talks between Gillingham and QPR director of football Les Ferdinand have been on-going, and Egan believes the signing would be a major boost to their aspirations.

Egan said: “Max has been in here for three-quarters of the season and he has been great for us. He has been very easy to play alongside and we understand each other.

“With a bit of luck we can keep him but that’s not down to him, it’s down to QPR. If we can keep him it will strengthen our chances next season.”

QPR have been relegated from the Premier League but Ehmer is not expected to be part of the club’s Championship plans under manager Chris Ramsey.