Gillingham have completed the signing of highly rated midfielder Kyle Dempsey, reportedly beating several “very big clubs in League One” to his signature.

The 24-year-old, who was released by Fleetwood Town at the end of last season, joins the Gills and boosts their midfield ranks ahead of the new campaign, which starts next month.

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The deal

Gills boss Steve Evans is starting to accumulate an impressive looking squad at Priestfield, and Dempsey is the latest name that has gained plaudits from fans and neutrals alike.

Dempsey was reportedly highly sought after, and Evans has won the race for his signature. The fact he has coached him before may have gone in his favour to help him land his man.

He moves down south after spending plenty of his career in the north of England, and is available for Gillingham’s second pre-season game of the summer on Tuesday evening.

Dempsey’s record

After making his way through the youth ranks at Carlisle United, Dempsey featured 51 times for the Cumbrian side before signing for Huddersfield Town for a six-figure sum in 2015.

He featured numerous times in the Championship for the Terriers, making 24 appearances for the club in total, before going on loan to Fleetwood in 2016.

After becoming a regular for the Cod Army, Dempsey joined on a permanent basis and enjoyed three years with the club, with a loan spell at Peterborough United sprinkled in the middle.

During his time at Peterborough, Dempsey played for a period under current Gills boss Evans. He then went back to Fleetwood before being released at the end of last season having made almost 150 appearances for the side.

He now joins up with the Gills for a new chapter in his career.

Reaction

Gillingham manager Steve Evans was chuffed with the signing. He told the club website: “Kyle is a top talent and we are delighted he has chosen us over some very big clubs in League One. I met his parents, and the family are salt of the earth – really genuine people.

“They wanted their boy to join a manager who bel ieved in him fully and I am delighted he is here. He is simply a superb signing.”

Dempsey himself added: “I am delighted to come down here and start a new chapter in my life. Speaking to the gaffer last week, everything was said to me in a positive way.

“I am 24 years old and I needed to pick the right club where I felt I would develop my football the most.”