Tom Eaves left out of Gillingham squad amid Rangers rumours

By Jay Williams

Gillingham striker Tom Eaves was left out of their squad to face Portsmouth on Boxing Day, fuelling rumours that he might leave.

Eaves is out of contract at the end of the season and Gillingham may be forced into selling their star man in January.

Rangers have been linked with a move for the towering centre-forward, according to Sky Sports News.

But the Gers face competition for his signature, with Championship clubs also keen.

Gillingham had a home match against League One leaders Portsmouth on Boxing Day, but managed to win 2-0 without Eaves.

With 14 league goals in 22 matches, the 26-year-old is League One’s top scorer.

(Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

And his form has alerted Rangers, who need a striker to compete with prolific forward Alfredo Morelos.

Kyle Lafferty has struggled to find his best form in front of goal and Rangers could look to upgrade on him this January.

Steven Gerrard needs reinforcements to ensure his squad is well prepared to challenge Celtic for the title.

And Eaves, who has scored 34 goals in one-and-a-half seasons with Gillingham, could be the man to support Morelos in this bid.

Standing at 6ft 5in tall, the former Bolton Wanderers striker is a physical presence up top.

And his absence from the Gillingham squad will fuel rumours of a move to Ibrox, even though manager Steve Lovell has said it was due to injury, Kent Online reports.

That might be a smokescreen with Rangers among the clubs possibly after Eaves this January.