Charlton Athletic striker Alfie May completes move to Birmingham City

Charlton have confirmed the sale of Alfie May to Birmingham City.

The striker, who turns 31 tomorrow, headed to the Midlands on Sunday to do his medical.

Neither club has disclosed the fee but it is thought to be in the region of £775,000 with add-ons in the deal meaning it could hit a seven-figure total.

Charlton signed May from Cheltenham Town last summer for £250,000. He scored 27 goals in all competitions with his haul of 23 enough to land him the League One Golden Boot.

Huddersfield Town had targeted May this summer with Michael Duff, his boss at Cheltenham, confident he could be reunited with the frontman, who romped to Charlton’s Player of the Season award as well as their Players’ Player of the Season honour.

But Birmingham came in with an improved bid which was accepted by the Addicks, who have already moved to add in that department with the addition of Coventry City’s Matt Godden on a two-year contract.

“After an initial bid was rejected, the striker handed in a written transfer request last week,” said Charlton in a statement on their website.

May’s partner is from Yorkshire and she, along with their three kids, had moved back there.

May, speaking after the completion of his Valley exit, said: “It’s a difficult one for me because I’m leaving my hometown, but it’s football and I’m doing it for my family.

“Hopefully I leave on good terms. It’s only been a year, but it’s a year that I won’t forget. I thank everyone for the support and the love they showed me since I first signed.”

Charlton boss Nathan Jones is intent on having five strikers to attack the campaign and that means that there is set to be another addition.

It remains a priority area for the South Londoners.

“Our focus is coming out of this transfer window categorically stronger than we were at the start of the window,” said Jones. “We understand Alfie’s motivations for wanting to move on and we’ve been able to secure a really good deal for the club which allows us to reinvest in adding quality to our squad.

“Alfie did well for the club and myself last season. He worked hard throughout and scored some crucial goals, so we wish him all the best for the future.”

More to follow.

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS