Gillingham have added young midfielder Emmanuel Osadebe to their squad for next season.

The 18-year-old midfielder joins from the Tottenham Hotspur’s foundation college programme.

Osadebe was thrilled to have signed his first professional deal.

He said: “I’ve been working hard since a young age so this is a dream come true. It means a lot and I am very excited.

“The foundation college programme has helped me get to where I am today. It’s a great way of combining education and what I love – playing football.”

Osadebe played in a handful of development games for the Gills last season and boss Justin Edinburgh likes what he saw.

He has handed the teenager a one year professional deal at Priestfield.

Edinburgh said: “With my connections at Tottenham I was made aware of Emmanuel’s progress and we were able to get him to train with us and see how he performed during a few development games.

“He impressed us during those fixtures and we are delighted to have signed him on a one year deal and he will have opportunities within our development squad, certainly pushing for a place in the first team.”

Osadebe is the second young player to sign for the Gills since the end of the season, with former Crystal Palace winger Elliott List joining the squad on a one-year deal.

Tottenham’s education and football development centre programme offers players football coaching alongside BTEC qualifications. Osadebe has been studying for his BTEC level three in Sport.