Gillingham manager Neil Harris has assured fans they are working hard to bring in much-needed firepower.

While the Gills have missed out on Alfie May, Harris distanced himself from speculation linking the club to Dipo Akinyemi, who joined National League side York City on Saturday.

Akinyemi has been widely rumoured to have interested the Gills and the club have watched him - but Harris didn’t seem too concerned at the news of his move to York.

Harris said: “Of course we were interested in Alfie May and I was honest and thank the Galinsons for supporting that, it wasn’t to be, with others, don’t always believe what you read!

“Two attacking players need to come in the building, just to add different attributes and strength in depth as well.

“We had a meeting on Saturday morning with Kenny (Jackett the director of football) and Hessy (head of recruitment Andy Hessenthaler). We know we need to add at the top end of the pitch and we will.

“I have been really pleased with the lads so far pre-season but ultimately (young players) Joe Gbode and Ronald Sithole, they need to be out on loan playing games of football.”

Jayden Clarke did himself no harm on Saturday but Harris knows he still has plenty to learn.

Harris said: “Jayden Clarke hasn’t played the level but we really hope is going to play the level this year, we need to make sure we have a little more seniority around those front positions.”

There’s speculation that former Maidstone and Wimbledon forward Joe Pigott, 29, could be the answer. He’s expected to be leaving Ipswich Town this summer after spending last season on loan at Portsmouth.

Harris is also still looking for a left-sided central defender.

He said: “It is a position we are looking at, that hasn’t changed, that will offer us more strength in depth in that area and maybe gives a bit more flexibility in how we want to play, we are still looking.”

Gillingham-born defender Sean Raggett – currently with Portsmouth – has been linked with a move to the club.