Defender John Egan has rejected the chance to extend his stay with Gillingham.

Championship side Brentford, who had a bid for the defender rejected in January, are understood to be back in for the Irishman.

Several other clubs will be monitoring the situation after Egan spent two impressive seasons with the Gills in League 1.

Boss Justin Edinburgh thanked the defender for his efforts on Monday after meeting with his senior players, four of whom were released.

Egan was one player Edinburgh wanted to keep but admitted the club’s best efforts weren’t good enough.

The 23-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, was offered a new deal at the beginning of the season and the club improved that package before Christmas.

He has been with the Gills for the past two seasons after being signed upon his release by Sunderland.

Edinburgh said: “Myself and the chairman did everything we could in our power to keep John here.

“The chairman made him a good offer and there is nothing more we could have done.

“The only thing more would have been if we got promoted, which unfortunately didn’t happen.

“I know John is an ambitious guy but it never affected his performances and I never held it against him. He goes with our thanks and we wish him all the best in the future.”