Garry Richards challenges Marvin Morgan in 2008 Picture: Matthew Walker

by Luke Cawdell

Andy Hessenthaler is considering making a raid on League 2 rivals Aldershot for hit-man Marvin Morgan.

The Gillingham manager wants to add power and goals to his front line and Morgan fits the bill as the man to play alongside Cody McDonald up front next season.

McDonald’s arrival at the Gills last week meant Hessenthaler cooled his interest in former Barnet striker John O’Flynn, who is without a club following his release from a trial at Bristol City, as he feels both players are of similar ilk.

Morgan, who has a year left on his contract at Aldershot, netted 17 goals for them in League 2 last season.

The Gills were linked with Morgan earlier this summer but, with the sale of Simeon Jackson, Hessenthaler could now have the funds to act.

Hessenthaler admits he’s already made contact with the player’s agent.

"I’ve spoken to his representative and that’s as far as we’ve gone at the moment," the Gills boss said.

"There is money available but not a massive amount.

"I think there will be something there for another striker, definitely, but how much I don’t know.

"We need to try and sign someone who has scored 17-20 goals in this division and there are players out there who can do that.

"There are players who are available but you would have to pay a bit of money for them so we will wait and see."

Hessenthaler has a range of strikers at his disposal but knows that League 2 will require muscle as well as talent.

"We’re looking at a different type up the top than what we’ve got," he said.

"I want two strikers who can score goals.

"O’Flynn can but he is too much of a Cody type. We perhaps need that physical one in this division. We’ll have a look and see where we go."

And 27-year-old Morgan, at 6ft 4in, would certainly be a handful for opponents next season.

Hessenthaler said: "He would come into that category but he is obviously Aldershot’s player and it’s been documented that they would want a fee for him."

Who would you want to see signed to play up-front for the Gills? Comment below.