Gills manager Justin Edinburgh is confident loan stars John Marquis and Max Ehmer will be back at the club next season.

Both have told Edinburgh of their wish to return, following the expiring of their previous deals, but there is work to be done.

Defender Ehmer is contracted to QPR for another season while Marquis has been offered a new contract by his parent club Millwall.

“We have spoken with both representatives,” Edinburgh confirmed.

Marquis finished the season with eight goals from 21 appearances and Edinburgh believes that impressive spell will help Gillingham win a tug of war for his services.

“Over the next couple of weeks we will have a greater idea of the situation,” he said.

“John loved his time here and I know he wants to come back here. We want him here and we are hopeful something will happen with that one.

“I am as confident as I can be. I have sat face to face with John on a couple of occasions and I have no reason to think he is not speaking the truth to me.

“It is realistic. Until the deals are concluded there is always an opportunity of it not being concluded. From talking to him, I feel this is where he would like to be next season.”

The Gills would also need to agree a compensation package for 22-year-old Marquis with Millwall, who will be playing League 1 football next season.

Ehmer, 23, started every game under Edinburgh’s management and impressed in the centre of defence.

Edinburgh said: “Personally, I think something could be done with that deal, whether he comes back on loan for next season, maybe he gets his contract terminated or a compromise can be met.

“He enjoyed his football here and has made it quite clear that he wants to come back here. That is something we hope will happen.

“Max has told me this is where he wants to be playing next season. I have no reason not to believe that but because they are not our players at the present time it is out of our hands a bit. We are very hopeful they will be concluded.”