Teenage midfielder Josh Chambers is back training with Gillingham and in talks over a new deal.

Chambers was offered a professional contract with the club in the summer, having impressed Gills boss Neil Harris, but chose to explore options elsewhere. He appeared for Tottenham’s development side in pre-season but no contract materialised.

The Gills are short of midfield cover at present, with ongoing injuries to Olly Lee and Dom Jefferies. It could be a timely return for the 18-year-old.

Harris insists the relationship between the pair has remained positive and was happy to have the youngster back training at Beechings Cross. He admitted on Thursday that “a lot of work needed to be done” on a deal but talks were progressing.

Chambers played twice for Gills’ first team under Harris, making his debut off the bench at Doncaster before being named as a surprise starter at Sunderland in April.

Harris said: “Josh caught my eye immediately, from the moment I walked in the door.

"We offered him a pro contract to stay, he chose to keep his options open and it took us a while for Josh being back in the building, but a bit like the Robbie (McKenzie, who also looked elsewhere before coming back), my relationship with him has been very pure and good with Josh, we got to a stage where we said, come back in, train with the group, let’s see where it takes us. He is a player we feel we can develop.”

Harris admits there is no time-scale on Lee's return while Jefferies has also struggled to come back from injury. Scott Kashket is hoping to be involved this weekend.