Gillingham boss Steve Lovell says the club have yet to receive any bids for leading scorer Tom Eaves.

The striker is a free agent in the summer but his scoring form could tempt clubs into making an offer before the transfer window closes on Thursday.

Sunderland have recently been linked with a move for the 27-year-old.

Gills’ League 1 rivals are looking for additional firepower after selling striker Josh Maja to French side Bordeaux. Former Gills loanee John Marquis has also been linked with a move to the Stadium of Light.

Eaves, who has previously been linked with Rangers, has scored 15 goals for the Gills so far this season, although he has gone six games without one since returning from injury.

The club have already said that Eaves is unlikely to sign a new deal at the club.

Lovell said on Tuesday night that no offers had been received and praised the striker for his attitude after the midweek goalless draw with Accrington.

“It showed on Tuesday his heart is in Gillingham,” Lovell said.

“He is playing the way Tom Eaves always plays, which is pleasing for us because it is not easy when there is all this hype about you as a player. It can affect you.

“It was just disappointing for him that he didn’t get a couple of goals because he had a few opportunities where he could have won the game. He has won the game for us on many occasions before and I am sure he will do it again.”

The Gills boss has said that striker Liam Nash is free to leave but is expected to make signings before the transfer window closes on Thursday night with Dundee United winger Billy King heavily linked.

King, 24, plays in the Scottish Championship and has had previous loan spells with Rangers and Inverness. He has played youth football for Scotland, up to under-21 level.