According to reports, Gillingham have rejected a “six-figure” bid for Brandon Hanlan. The Gills have not divulged the name of the club, who submitted the bid for their striker.
Brandon Hanlan Bid Rejected by Gillingham
Brandon Hanlan Valued Higher
While the bidding club remains anonymous, there is reason to suspect that it is from a fellow League One club. Last week, Gillingham turned down a bid from a divisional rival.
In fact, Gills’ manager Steve Evans was angered by the amount offered. He described it as an “insulting” and “paltry offer”. However, Evans has never been a manager who shirks from expressing his true opinions!
After the latest bid, Evans was in more of a forgiving mood. “At least it’s an offer nearer where we value the player,” said Evans, as he spoke to the Kent Messenger.
“But it’s short of his correct minimum value and from what the chairman turned down in January. The club felt one of the offers last week was insulting.”
Hanlan was recently linked with a move to Portsmouth. However, Evans says that Pompey’s interest has “cooled”. In fact, last week’s “insulting” bid – as Evans terms it – came from another League One club.
Out Of Contract
Currently, Hanlan is out of contact at Gillingham. However, the Kent side have not yet given up hope that he will sign a new deal. Over the summer, the club have made two offers of a new contract to Hanlan.
Unfortunately, he is free to walk out on Gillingham. Although, The Gills remain entitled to a transfer fee since Hanlan is aged 23.
There are three potential ends to the Hanlan transfer saga. First, he signs a new contract with Gillingham. This is Evans’ preferred choice, as he seeks to mount a promotion challenge. Gillingham are being tipped by some, as potential playoff contenders.
Second, Gillingham receive an acceptable bid. If so, Hanlan merely joins his new club and The Gills receive a transfer fee without any complications.
Third, is that Gillingham continue to hold out for a larger bid. Yet, Hanlan is still eligible to sign for another club. If this happens, then the compensatory transfer fee between the two clubs will be set by a third-party. Quite frankly, transfer tribunals are a gamble at times.
Hanlan, a former Charlton Athletic trainee, has scored 16 times during his 84 Gillingham appearances. This includes seven goals during the reduced 2019/20 season. Additionally, he finished 2018/19 strongly, by scoring six goals in his final 14 appearances of the season.
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