Bristol Rovers have reportedly entered the race to sign highly sought-after Cheltenham Town forward Alfie May, as reported by Jon Palmer of Gloucestershire Live.
May’s future at Whaddon Road has been in doubt since the final day of the season and has become one of the biggest transfer sagas in League One, with numerous clubs chasing the forward, including Charlton Athletic, Gillingham and Derby County.
The forward celebrated his 30th birthday on Monday, but time has not been catching up with him as he has been the Robins’ top scorer in both of their seasons in League One, helping them to their highest finish in the EFL in their club history in 2021/22, as they finished 14th in League One. This past season, the Robins finished 16th in League One, with May scoring 20 goals in the league. Across his two seasons in the third tier with the Robins, May has scored 43 goals.
Charlton Athletic, Gillingham and Derby have been three of the clubs mentioned the most when it came to the signature of the striker, Charlton and Gillingham have both been in pole position to sign the striker on separate occasions over the past few weeks, however, the saga which has seen many twists has seen yet another as Joey Barton has come knocking in an attempt to bring May to the Memorial Stadium. Both Charlton and Gillingham’s managers have been asked for comments on their pursuit of the forward in recent weeks, however, neither has been particularly open about the situation, with Dean Holden refusing to comment on the speculation.
Joey Barton is building his squad for the new season, with pre-season underway for the Gas and two fixtures already being played. The Rovers manager has made three signings, with another set to come in, they have already added James Wilson, Jevani Brown and Luke Thomas as well as George Friend, who is reportedly set to be joining shortly. The club already have one prolific striker in Aaron Collins, who has been linked with a move away in recent months himself, however, the player has shut down that speculation himself and adding May could perhaps be a step towards promotion next season.
Writer’s View
May is a bright spark in what many could call a weak team in League One, the Robins would be a lot worse off without him. However, with no sign of the forward signing an extension, it is wise for the club to cash in. With Aaron Collins linking up with May should this signing go through, Joey Barton’s team could be a force to be reckoned with next season and this potential partnership could make them dangerous.
