Gillingham FC lining up transfer deal for 24-year-old defender | OneFootball

George Stanger is the subject of a mid-season move from Scottish Championship side Ayr United

Gillingham are lining up a move for Ayr United centre-back George Stanger, according to Pete O'Rourke.

The journalist revealed the League Two side's interest on X, as the Gills look to make a move before the end of the transfer window on Monday.

The 24-year-old has made over 100 appearances in the lower leagues of Scotland, and made his sole New Zealand appearance in July 2021.

With Stanger's contract up at the end of the season, John Coleman's side is looking to lure the Kiwi to England for the first time in his career.

George Stanger wanted by Gillingham

Gillingham are plotting a move for 24-year-old defender George Stanger from Scottish Championship side, Ayr United.

John Coleman has wasted little time in the transfer market since taking over from Mark Bonner in early January.

Stanger would be the fourth arrival at the Priestfield Stadium this winter if the move is sanctioned, following the loan moves of Asher Agbinone and Jimmy-Jay Morgan from Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Chelsea respectively, and the permanent signing of Nelson Khumbeni from Bolton.

Coming through the Hamilton youth set-up, Stanger has played solely in Scotland so far in his career; making four Premiership appearances for Hamilton before lower league stints at Dumbarton, Alloa Athletic and now, Ayr United.

Under the tutelage of Celtic legend and former Fleetwood Town manager, Scott Brown, Stanger has started every game of the Scottish Championship season so far this campaign, completing 90 minutes all but once.

In fact, in all competitions, Stanger has been a key fixture in 30 of the 31 games Ayr have played this season - only missing out on their 8-0 win over Broxburn FC in the Fourth Round of the Scottish FA Cup.

Ayr may be forced to sell this January

Clearly, Brown feels that Stanger is an important piece to his Ayr United side, who currently sit second in the Scottish Championship.

However, with the New Zealander's contract up in the summer, a move away may be sanctioned this January to avoid the risk of losing the 24-year-old for free in the summer.

Stanger may be tempted to join a Gillingham side who boast one of the better defensive records in League Two - with only three sides in the division conceding less than John Coleman's side.

Having spent over seven seasons in Scottish football, Stanger could be open to a change of scenery and a new challenge, which will be given to him in the fourth tier.