Teenage striker Sam Surridge could be heading for a loan move to Gillingham.

The Bournemouth youngster has recently had a spell at National South side Poole Town where he bagged eight goals from 16 appearances.

Seven of his goals came in the league, where Surridge has helped the club compete for a play-off spot, in the same division as Kent side’s Ebbsfleet United and Dartford.

As reported earlier by the Bournemouth Echo, Surridge is now likely to be given a chance at a higher level, rather than extending his stay with Poole.

Bournemouth are keen to see what he can do in the Football League and they have contacted Gillingham with a view to loaning the striker for the remainder of the season.

Gills boss Justin Edinburgh has built up strong links with the Cherries, who have already loaned them defender Baily Cargill and striker Joe Quigley this season.

Surridge missed a handful of games for Poole towards the end of his loan with a broken thumb but it is fully fit again. He has been with the south coast side since the age of 14 and was a prolific goalscorer in their youth ranks.

He has previously been on loan at Weymouth but has yet to make a first team appearance at Bournemouth.

Edinburgh is keen for extra fire-power, having seen his side struggle for goals of late, and is monitoring a number of players with a view to making a move in the January transfer window.

Frank Nouble’s short-term deal came to an end after the 1-0 defeat to Oxford United on Monday and Edinburgh must decide if he wants to extend the forward's stay until the summer.

Surridge could end up teaming up with fellow Bournemouth striker Quigley at Priestfield.

Quigley's loan spell was cut short because of injury but Edinburgh is considering offering the big striker the chance to end the season at Gillingham, once he is fit again. He made just three appearances before suffering a serious knee injury.

The Gills will also need to negotiate a new deal for Cargill as his half-season loan deal has now expired. Cargill made his 10 Gills appearance in the match against Oxford.

Gillingham aren’t back in action now until travelling to Oldham on January 14.