NEIL Harris is optimistic out-of-contract striker John Marquis will sign a new deal with the club.
Gillingham boss Justin Edinburgh had declared his interest in securing the permanent services of the 22-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the Kent club.
Marquis scored ten goals in 21 appearances during a successful loan spell.
And Harris has said the offer to Marquis is there and conclusions to contract talks can take their time.
“John’s been offered a contract and it’s ongoing,” Harris said. “It’s the same situation with Jimmy Abdou.
“The offers have only just been made and what tends to happen is; the offers get made, then the advisor goes back and talks to the player.
“Then the player wants to talk to his family so it tends to take a week or two to pan out but we’re certainly hopeful both players want to commit to the club.”