Gillingham have confirmed they have rejected a bid for Jack Tucker.

The 20-year-old centre-back has earned rave reviews after breaking into the side this season.

But he is out of contact at the end of this season and is yet to agree a new deal at Priestfield.

A club statement said: “Chairman Paul Scally has confirmed that a full written offer from an EFL Championship club for young central defender Jack Tucker was turned down late last night after discussions with the gaffer (Steve Evans) and the player.”

Gills boss Steve Evans spoke earlier this month about his desire to keep Tucker at the club on a new long-term deal.

The club have already held talks with Tucker’s representatives over a new contract and Evans said: “It would be fair to say that we already have considerable interest in Jack, from higher levels, but he is just a baby.

“He needs to continue longer with us, that was my view to the chairman and he endorsed it and agreed.”

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Tucker has made 18 appearances for the Gills this season, playing mainly in central defence. He made his first start against Ipswich in September this year.

Evans has stated many times that he expects Tucker to go a long way in the game.

The Gills boss admitted that last weekend’s game was a learning curve for Tucker after the defender’s error gifted Fleetwood the ball in the lead-up to their goal during the 1-1 draw in League 1.

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