Gillingham striker John Akinde has rejected the chance to join Bristol Rovers this summer, as per a recent report by Kent Online.

The frontman is seemingly set to depart Priestfield this summer as the Kent side look to get him off the wage bill and it appears that a return to the Gas was on the cards.

Akinde originally played for the Sky Bet League Two side back in 2010 during a brief loan spell but has now turned down the opportunity to make the move back to the Memorial Stadium.

Speaking after yesterday's 1-1 draw away at AFC Wimbledon, Gills boss Steve Evans confirmed that the striker had rejected the chance to leave the club:

"John Akinde's had an option to go to Bristol Rovers and turned the move down. That's up to John, that's his family's decision."

It is stated further in the same report that Akinde is believed to want to stay playing his football in the south as he searches for a new club this summer.

The 32-year-old is greatly proven at Football League level and has over 150 career goals to his name.

Akinde didn't feature in the squad at all yesterday due to injury and is currently working to get back to match fitness as he continues to assess his options.

The Verdict 

Striking options are very thin on the ground at Bristol Rovers during this moment in time and they are understandably casting their net wide in an attempt to bring in reinforcements before the deadline.

Add to the fact that Brandon Hanlan is keen to depart the club for Lincoln City and they are in a very unstable position at present under Joey Barton.

Being rejected by Akinde will come as a bit of a blow as the big target man is a great signing for a club in League Two and has shown in the past that he can perform to a very high standard in that division.

Unfortunately for the Gas they will now have to go back to the drawing board and will now be looking at other avenues.