Former Fulham and Southampton under-21 defender Sam Tabares has joined Gillingham on a free transfer

Gillingham have made their ninth new signing since the end of last season.

Sam Tabares has become the latest player to arrive at Priestfield – less than two weeks before the start of the new season.

The 19-year-old right-sided defender joins on a free transfer after leaving Southampton earlier this summer.

Tabares has already trained with the Gills in pre-season and has now agreed a permanent deal.

He said: "I feel like I have known the boys for ages already, and it's only been a couple of days.

"The overall vibe made me really want to sign here. The Gaffer made it quite an easy decision for me."

Tabares has yet to make his debut in the Football League, having played under-21 football with Fulham and then Southampton.

He made an appearance for Fulham under-21s against Shrewsbury in the EFL Trophy two years ago.

The newcomer could make his debut for the Gills on Friday night in their pre-season match at Ebbsfleet United.