Steve Evans has emerged as a target for Gillingham.

The Gills are on the hunt for a new manager after Ady Pennock left by mutual consent.

Evans is currently manager of League 2 Mansfield Town, who revealed on Tuesday afternoon that they have rejected an approach by Gillingham to talk to their man.

That may not put the Gills off, however.

He has been linked to the Gillingham job before and chairman Paul Scally is known to be an admirer of the 54-year-old Scot.

Evans has been with Mansfield for almost a year, signing a two and a half year contract with the Stags last November.

His last job, at Leeds, ended with him being sacked.

The Gills have been contacted about the story, and said: "It is inappropriate for to us comment."

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Earlier in his management career he won promotion with Crawley twice and did the same at Rotherham.

The statement by Mansfield said: "The club can confirm this afternoon that it has rejected an approach from Gillingham for the services of manager Steve Evans.

"The club will be making no further comment as our full attentions are directed to this Saturday's Sky Bet League Two match away at Colchester United."

Evans has been embroiled in controversy when facing the Gills in the past, filing a complaint with police over being racially abused by Andy Hessenthaler. That was later dropped and Hessenthaler insisted he wasn't holding a grudge.

Police also investigated chants from Gills fans aimed at Evans, then manager of Rotherham, leading to three arrests. They were released without charge.

Gillingham have been linked with a number of managers in recent days, with Cambridge boss Shaun Derry and Gills’ former title-winning manager Martin Allen among those thought to be in the running.

Director of football Peter Taylor is currently at the helm, in a caretaker capacity.