League One strugglers Gillingham could face a fight to hold on to Cumbrian star Kyle Dempsey.

The Priestfield club's former manager Steve Evans - speaking before his sacking on Sunday - said the Maryport midfielder was a man in demand.

And The Bolton News have now reported that Bolton Wanderers have bid for the former Carlisle United man, who has attracted interest through much of his spell in Kent.

Evans said the 26-year-old captain had been among a number of players targeted by other clubs.

Speaking to Kent Online on Friday, Evans said: “We have had offers for three different players.

“Since the transfer window has been opened managers have been asking about Kyle Dempsey and clubs have been bidding our chairman for him.

“Vadaine Oliver and Jack Tucker have been subject to offers. Our chairman has asked me for valuations which I have given him. None of the [offers] have come near the valuations."

Dempsey has made 18 appearances and scored one goal for the Gills this season, after 44 outings and eight goals in his first campaign with the club in 2020/21.

The Cumbrian joined Gillingham from Fleetwood, having previously been with Huddersfield following his impressive breakthrough at boyhood club Carlisle.

Evans and assistant Paul Raynor had their contracts terminated on Sunday with Gillingham third bottom of League One.

Neil Smith, Michael Flynn and Neil Harris are among the early bookies' contenders for the job, while the Gills have brought in Steve Lovell to take interim charge.