Payne has received many plaudits so far this season.

Gillingham have denied rumours that Reading are trying to sign their promising young midfielder Jack Payne.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler has said the 18-year-old is capable of playing in the Championship or higher after a string of impressive displays.

Newspaper reports claimed Payne was a target for Reading but the Gills boss told BBC Radio Kent it was news to him.

"I don't want that to happen because I'm selfish and I don't want anything to distract him," Hessenthaler said.

"I want him to keep playing the way he is but it will happen because he's 18-years-old and he's doing well."

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