Gillingham manager Neil Harris admits he’s a fan of striker Alfie May - as speculation over a possible move to Priestfield persists.

Cheltenham striker May scored 20 League 1 goals last season and the 29-year-old has been on Gillingham’s radar for some time. Charlton Athletic have reportedly made a bid and there’s interest too from Derby County.

Gillingham director of football Kenny Jackett said last week that no bid from themselves had been made to Cheltenham for the striker - who could fetch a large six-figure fee - but that doesn’t mean there’s no interest.

With the summer transfer window now open and clubs heading back to training soon, Cheltenham will want to know whether their striker is staying or going.

Harris was quizzed about the rumours when speaking to the press on Monday.

“What I would say is, no smoke without fire,” he said.

“He is a player I have admired for a long time, coming through non-league levels. He's developed brilliantly into a league goalscorer.

“He's a local player as we know, but he's a Cheltenham player and we're very respectful to that.

“There's a lot of moving parts to sign a player who's under contract. He is a sought-after player.

“The fact that we're having this conversation is a real positive but there would have to be a lot of work and a lot of development for someone like Alfie May to come to Gillingham.

“I don't want to dampen the excitement and I don't want to add fuel to the fire at all. I just want to be as honest as I can be. Obviously he’s a player I admire but he is a Cheltenham player.

“Just watch this space on the centre-forward position because we are in need of attacking options and Alfie May is someone I have admired for a long time.”

Gillingham would have to stump up a decent fee to persuade Cheltenham to sell.

Harris believes there could be money available to make a signing - should that player be special enough.

The Gills boss said: “Brad (Galinson, the owner) has been really honest in his assessment. We are very open minded to the way we do business this summer.

“I think for the right player, that fits our football club, then Brad would love to support making a marquee-type signing. He is also a shrewd businessman and myself and Kenny have reputations as managers that haven't gone out and spent money without necessity, or without reason.

“We have a high thought process to what we need to add to the squad and making sure we do invest in the squad financially. If we do then it has to be for the right player and for the right reasons.”

The Gills have currently made three permanent signings this summer with defender Conor Masterson, left-back Max Clark and midfielder Jonny Williams agreeing terms.

Harris said: “I'm absolutely delighted with what we have got in the building and with the thought process that we will add to it also. It is now about due diligence, signing the right players in the right positions.

“Now we're down to the last couple of signings. Let’s make sure we now get it right. If we have to wait another three weeks, then so be it.”