Gillingham have completed a deal for defender Alfie Jones from Premier League Southampton.

The 21-year-old has joined the Gills on a season-long loan from St Mary's.

He impressed during a loan spell at St Mirren in Scotland in the first half of last season, where he made 15 appearances.

Gillingham manager Steve Evans was keen to add defensive cover with Gabriel Zakuani still on the comeback trail after missing three months at the end of last season through injury.

That left Gills with just Max Ehmer and Connor Ogilvie as recognised senior centre-backs in the squad, following the departure of Alex Lacey at the end of last season.

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Jones, who has captained Southampton's under-23 side, signed a new two-year deal at St Mary's at the start of last season.

Evans said: "I’m delighted to confirm that he has put pen to paper. I had a couple of hours with him on Monday when he was making his final choice and he confirmed late last night.

"He’s a big, strong powerful boy and played a number of games in the SPL.

"We tracked him in the last few months of last season and we all recognised we were light in the centre-back area. Alfie offers real strength in competition for places."

Evans has been busy in the transfer market since taking over as Gillingham boss, bringing in a number of players as he re-shapes his squad.

Summer signings:

• Connor Ogilvie
• Jack Bonham
• Lee Hodson
• Stuart O'Keefe
• Matty Willock
• Ouss Cisse
• Mikael Ndjoli
• Nathan Thomas

The signing of Jones comes just a day after Gills landed Nathan Thomas from Premier League Sheffield United on loan. Bournemouth striker Mikael Ndjoli has also made the move to Priestfield on loan from a top-flight club.

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