Gillingham are understood to be closing in on a deal for Cheltenham striker Alfie May.

He’s been a top target for the Gills all summer and it’s now been reported that the club have made an official offer for the League 1 frontman.

More: Gills boss expecting tougher season ahead

May is contracted to Cheltenham but it’s expected he will be moving on before the season starts.

The League 1 side will want the situation resolving sooner rather than later.

Gillingham boss Neil Harris has made no secret of his admiration for the Kent-born striker who bagged 20 goals in League 1 last season and there was speculation of a move to Priestfield in January.

Gloucestershire Live reporter Jon Palmer reported today (Thursday) the Gills are now clear favourites to land the 29-year-old.

May, who was prolific in Kent non-league football at Hythe Town, once had a trial with the Gills but Doncaster Rovers were the team which gave him a route into the Football League.

Three years there was followed by a move to Cheltenham in 2020.

League 1 sides Charlton Athletic and Derby County have also been keen on the striker, with the Gills keeping a watching brief on developments, knowing their League 2 status would mean they potentially couldn’t compete.

Charlton’s ongoing takeover makes a deal tricky for them while Derby haven’t apparently lodged a formal offer.

Harris recently commented on the situation, saying: “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.”

A move for May would be some coup for the Gills and a massive sign of intent as they look to challenge for promotion in League 2 this season.

Gillingham are now back in training but don’t play their first pre-season match until next Saturday, when they head to Dover.