Huddersfield Town have suffered a blow in the race for Charlton Athletic star Alfie May after news emerged that Birmingham City have seen a bid accepted for the striker.
It was claimed yesterday that the Terriers were pushing forward in their pursuit of the 30-year-old, with reports stating that they had had their own bid accepted. This eventually proved to be wide of the mark when journalist Richard Cawley shot down the rumour.
May was the one shining light of Charlton’s campaign last season. The Addicks struggled throughout, even briefly flirting with relegation to League Two. However, the arrival of Nathan Jones in February coincided with an upturn of results, and they eventually finished 16th.
Much of that was down to their talisman, who enjoyed an excellent debut season at The Valley. He finished as League One’s top scorer with 23 goals, whilst also winning the club’s Player of the Year.
It’s no surprise to see the recently relegated teams now targeting the former Cheltenham Town man. Both Huddersfield and Birmingham are hoping to make their stay in the third tier a brief one, which makes a proven goal scorer at this level all the more attractive.
The interest from Michael Duff’s side has been public knowledge for a number of weeks now. According to Football Insider, the Yorkshire outfit launched a £750,000 bid earlier this week. However, Birmingham are looking to trump that with a £775,000 offer of their own.
The report states that Charlton have accepted the Blues’ offer and May is now free to discuss personal terms with the club. This has been backed up by Cawley, who posted on ‘X’ that talks will be held over the weekend ahead of a potential move to St Andrew’s.
https://twitter.com/RichCawleySLP/status/1807022600746377521
Discussing the rumours earlier this week, Charlton boss Jones told South London Press:
“It’s a very difficult one with Alfie. He is our player and we love Alfie here, he is a fans’ favourite and scores goals for us.
“I don’t just want this to be just about Alfie. What we have to do with decisions on any player is think about what is in the best interests of the club. If keeping Alfie is the best thing for this football club then that is what will happen.
“If for any reason Alfie May leaves this football club then we must have players that will come into the squad that make this football club significantly better.
“I have no financial pressure, or any pressure from the board or the club in any way to do anything.
“That is why I have come here – to have that autonomy to make sound decisions for the football club, to be bold and to really ask the board to back that. And they have, to every level. We’re under no pressure. We’re a big football club, in terms of that.
“For what has been rumoured around Alfie, we’re not under any pressure to sell to another rival.”
Writer’s View
Nathan Jones stated that Charlton are under no pressure to sell to another club in League One, but every player has their price. It looks as if Birmingham have found that trigger and it will be a hard move for Alfie May to turn down.
He has proven how deadly he is at this level over the past few years. The opportunity to move to a club that could be playing in the Championship in a year’s time will certainly be tempting, especially as he reaches the twilight years of his career. Cheltenham will also be keeping a close eye on the situation, with the Robins due a part of any fee.
Head of Writing
