Doug Loft could be on the verge of joining Gillingham.

The Port Vale captain has rejected a new offer with the Valiants.

And Gillingham’s League 1 rivals have hinted that a move south is the preferred choice for the 27-year-old.

A statement from Port Vale said: “Doug Loft has rejected his new offer for family reasons and is expected to join Gillingham later today.

Vale boss Micky Adams - a former Gills player - said: “We thank Doug for his service in the last five years and I am sure he will be fondly remembered as the last captain to get a Port Vale team promoted.”

Loft was born in Maidstone and watched the Gills as a youngster.

He spent three years at Brighton, which included a loan spell at Dagenham, before moving to Port Vale in 2009. He made 43 appearances for the Valiants last season.