Birmingham City are not closing in on a move for Cheltenham Town forward Alfie May despite previous reports, as per Birmingham Live.

The 28-year-old was prolific at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium last term, recording 23 goals and four assists in 46 appearances for the League One side as one of the first names on the teamsheet in Gloucestershire.

His contract doesn't expire until 2024 - but that may not be a deterrent to sides that have taken an interest in the forward after seeing him impress in the third tier during the 2021/22 campaign as one of the league's top scorers.

 

 

Despite his heroics though, adapting seamlessly from life in the fourth tier and enjoying the most fruitful season of his professional career, he was unable to guide the Robins to back-to-back promotions.

This could provide encouragement to sides in a higher tier that they can get an agreement for the experienced forward over the line with last month's report from The 72 claiming Lee Bowyer's side and Preston North End were both interested in making a move for him.

At this stage though, the former are not close to sealing a move for May's services according to this latest update from Birmingham Live, potentially enabling the Lilywhites to put themselves in pole position to secure his signature.

The Verdict:

Having someone like May would be a real game-changer for the West Midlands who need another option up top if they want to play two up top, with Chuks Aneke leaving permanently in January and former loan duo Lyle Taylor and Onel Hernandez both returning to their parent clubs.

Although Troy Deeney and Scott Hogan are both good options to have in the second tier, Lukas Jutkiewicz may only be able to contribute a limited amount to their cause next season and it wouldn't even be a surprise to see an exit being sanctioned for him if a team does make an approach.

In fairness, May hasn't been able to get into double figures consistently throughout his career and that makes his 23 strikes in the third tier last season even more remarkable.

This is why the 28-year-old may not be the saviour Bowyer's men need up top, though it would certainly be worth taking a gamble on him if they can get him for a reasonably low fee, with the forward unlikely to have high wage demands.

Their forward area is just one of many positions that need to be addressed during the summer though, with their defence currently lacking in quality and depth. A failure to address this area could end up relegating them next term.