Gillingham are likely to come face to face with one of last season’s key men when the League 1 season gets underway next weekend.

Versatile midfield man Alfie Jones, who made 30 league appearances for the Gills during the curtailed 2019/20 season, has agreed a permanent move to Hull City from Southampton.

The Gills welcome Hull - relegated from the Championship last season - to Priestfield for the League 1 opener next Saturday.

Jones, 22, has signed a one-year deal with Hull, with the club having an option of a second.

Hull head coach Grant McCann said: “Alfie is someone I’ve kept an eye on personally over the last two or three years.

“He had a good season last year at Gillingham. He played a lot in central midfield, which tells us he can handle the ball, but he grew up at Southampton as a centre-back.

“He’s a really good character first and foremost and we want to continue his progression.

“He knows the league inside out and played in a team that could possibly have sneaked into the play-offs with the run they were on, had the season not been stopped.

“We’d been trying to get Alfie for a while, so we’re delighted. There were a lot of clubs showing interest in Alfie and we’re delighted he’s picked us.”

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