Derby County have joined their Championship rivals in expressing interest in one prolific goalscorer.
Derby County had huge problems in the striker position last season, with James Collins, Martyn Waghorn, Conor Washington, Tyreece John-Jules and Dwight Gayle all suffering injuries.
The Rams tried their bestto sign both Lee Gregory and Michael Smith from Sheffield Wednesday, before eventually securing Gayle on a free transfer.
It didn’t stop them from winning promotion to the Championship though, but now they will need to bolster their ranks once again to avoid a quick return to the third tier.
With three of their forwards currently out of contract, Paul Warne is reportedly now looking back to League One to sign their new No.9.
Derby County want 27-goal striker this summer
According to the Sunday Mirror (page 62), Derby could consider a summer offer for Charlton Athletic striker Alfie May.
The ‘wonderful’ attacker has also attracted interest from Stoke City and League Two outfit Gillingham.
May has lit up League One in recent years, netting 43 goals in 85 appearances for Cheltenham Town.
The 30-year-old then joined Charlton in the summer and has continued to impress, netting 27 goals in all competitions.
He also finished the campaign as the League One top scorer, won the EFL Player of the Year at the 2024 London Football Awards, and was also named in the EFL League One Team of the Season.
May’s contract is set to expire next summer and so could be available before he enters the final 12 months of his deal, however the report also claims that the striker is keen to stay at The Valley.
Is Alfie May good enough to lead the attack?
Derby’s chances of staying in the Championship may hinge on bolstering their attack, with their current crop potentially not cut out for life in the second tier.
However, while May has been a real hit in League One, he is yet to experience the Championship himself.
He is also approaching his 31st birthday and would join a number of the Rams’ attackers already in their 30s.
It could be a risky move for Derby and it may be worth it if he doesn’t cost too much, but he may be a player who would struggle to make the jump up a division.
Gayle is one player who made a real positive impact for Warne’s side following his late arrival, but he completely flopped during his time with Stoke City.
The Midlands club need players who have the experience and the drive to succeed in such a difficult league.
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