Gillingham have already had a number of enquiries for transfer-listed striker John Akinde.

The 31-year-old has been made available by the Gills along with defender Christian Maghoma, who has interested some clubs north of the border.

Akinde has made 26 league starts for the Gills since joining in January 2020 but also 27 substitute appearances and he wants a greater involvement - something manager Steve Evans can’t guarantee.

With a year left on his contract Akinde - who was apparently close to joining Southend United during the previous transfer window - is also keen for more security and with Evans looking at a different kind of striker to partner Vadaine Oliver upfront next season, a move away from the Gills is the sensible option.

Akinde certainly has something to offer and scored some important goals for Gillingham in the 2020/21 season and it will be down to the player and his representatives over what happens next.

Gills boss Evans said: “John usually has two years (on his contract) and he likes that security for him and his family which is to be respected, not frowned upon, but he also wanted to be starting.

“He wants to play every week, but we see the type of strikers playing with Vadaine different to John at times, but if we start on the opening day of the season and I have John Akinde sat on the bench then I won’t be grumbling.

“We have given him the opportunity to take the option and move on, that is John’s decision, if he comes back in, we love John and he would be treated with the respect he deserves.”

There have also been calls from Scotland for 23-year-old defender Maghoma, who hasn’t managed to make an impact at the club, quickly dropping out of favour having started the 2020/21 campaign in the first XI. He moved to the Gills last summer.

Evans, meanwhile, is yet to conclude talks with chairman Paul Scally, having spent the latter part of last week engrossed in player meetings up and down the country and in Scotland, as he looks to rebuild a squad which is back down to 12 players, including two recently recruited youth players and the pair available for transfer.

The manager and chairman should now meet this week to finalise a way forward.

The Gills boss said: “Providing there are no surprises both ways we are really going to be focused about putting a team together to get into this top group in League 1.”