Gillingham have entered pole position in the race for Cheltenham striker Alfie May, with the League Two club close to striking a deal, according to reports from Gloucestershire Live.
The 29-year-old has been of interest to many EFL clubs this summer after a second consecutive year of 20+ league goals in his return to League One. With Charlton Athletic and Derby County reportedly keen on the prolific striker, circumstances have stood in their way from submitting the required six-figure fee for May’s services.
Therefore, under their new ownership, the Gills have made a run for Cheltenham’s talisman, with a bid reportedly being submitted.
Who Is Alfie May?
Starting his career in the depths of non-league with Billericay Town, May bounced around the pyramid levels before getting his move to the EFL with Doncaster Rovers in 2017. Signing in the January transfer window, the striker immediately featured in League Two with Rovers, however struggled in the final third.
Scoring just ten league goals during his three-and-a-half seasons with Doncaster, May oversaw a promotion with the side but would join the Cheltenham midway through the 2019/20 season. Dropping down to League Two, May would get 14 goal contributions during the Robins’ title-winning season, and would then break out the following year.
With 48 goals in all competitions over the last two seasons, May also provided eight assists in the process.
A Drop Down?
As the striker is contracted to Cheltenham for another 12 months, May’s future has been a big talking point this summer. With Championship and some of the bigger League One clubs interested in paying a fee for the goalscorer, it’s surprising to see a League Two club favourite for his signature.
That said, a return nearby to home will likely play a part in the striker being comfortable dropping down a level, as Gillingham also presents a promising project.
Writer’s View
The May transfer saga has had many twists and turns, however, it looks to be potentially coming to an end now. Despite Gills being close to where the striker calls home, the move does come as a surprise with Gillingham being in League Two.
I understand they present an exciting project following a strong second half of the season, but anything can happen and failing to get promotion could be catastrophic. If that were to happen, May would be 30 and stuck in a division that he’s too good for. Only time will tell, however, for the moment, signing May would be a huge statement by Gillingham.
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