The experienced stopper, who spent the final few weeks of the season on loan at the Gills, has stated his interest in a permanent move to Priestfield, which will almost certainly have started the wheels in motion at Priestfield.
With only one senior goalkeeper, the forever-injured Kelvin Jack, on the club's books, signing a goalkeeper is a priority for Gills manager Ronnie Jepson. Royce looked solid during his loan spell and would provide a relatively safe pair of hands between the sticks for the coming campaign.
RUMOUR RATING ****
Jepson may have other goalkeeping targets in mind, but the club can't afford to go into another season with no regular keeper between the sticks. Royce may be a quick and easy signing - the first of a number of signings needed to firm up League One's worst defence.