Defender Jack Tucker is too good for League 2 says Gillingham boss Neil Harris.

Tucker, 22, has been offered a new contract by the Gills - who have been relegated to League 2 - but looks set to be on his way out of the club.

The Gills would be entitled to compensation should Tucker leave for another English side, as he is under 24 and has been offered new terms.

Tucker could have left in January but the Gills turned down a transfer bid from an unnamed club, one that Harris said was a “sizeable offer”.

Harris commented: “We made him a (contract) offer because we want to keep our compensation rights but I would like to keep him because he is a great player and a good character but we have to be realistic and say ‘is Jack Tucker better than League 2?’ In my opinion he is.”

Robbie McKenzie, 23, was also offered a new deal and Harris believes he too could be the subject of interest elsewhere but because of his age the club would also be entitled to compensation.

“Contracts have been offered because I want to keep both,” Harris said. “Is it possible? It is going to be tough with both players. Both are really good ages.

“With Jack, I would like to keep him, he has come through our academy and we would like to keep our homegrown players in and around our first-team group. We will have to see what unfolds but I don’t expect Jack to be here next season, if I am honest.”

Gillingham have also offered professional deals to second-year scholars Bailey Akehurst and Josh Chambers.