Gillingham expected to complete a deal for a new defensive recruit soon as manager Gareth Ainsworth targets a centre-half

Gillingham boss Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that a new defender is edging closer to completing a move to Priestfield.

The Gills are working to strengthen at centre-half after selling Sam Gale to Barnsley and losing captain Liam Gordon to a knee injury.

Ainsworth has been forced to rely on 19-year-old Logan Dobbs alongside Omar Beckles and Andy Smith in recent weeks, but the Gills boss says reinforcements could be on their way.

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Northampton Town, Ainsworth said: “I'm a lot nearer now.

“There's [been] another one in the building today which we will hopefully get over the line and I'm intending to get one more at least by the close of play Tuesday.

“The recruitment team are working hard to get the players I want in and it's not always easy but they are working really hard so hopefully we can get some over the line by Tuesday.

“The obvious position that's needed is defence at the moment with Sam Gale being sold and Liam Gordon getting the injury he's got.

“So it's no secret that I'm after a central defender just to bolster that group, so there's one in mind and hopefully we can get him in by Tuesday.”

Gillingham have until 11pm on Tuesday to complete their business involving contracted players.

The Gills are also in action that night, travelling to face Chesterfield in League Two.

Ainsworth's comments come after a summer of change at the club. Twelve new signings have already been made in the window, not including the two emergency loans they used to cover the goalkeeper position.

Robbie McKenzie and Ethan Coleman are the only players that are not Ainsworth’s signings.

One name linked with the club in recent days is Middlesbrough youngster Jack Daley.

The 19-year-old centre-back