'Deal done' - Charlton Athletic bagsman Alfie May chooses between Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town

Charlton Athletic goal machine Alfie May is set to join League One rivals Birmingham City in a head-turning League One transfer as the race for his signature draws to a close.

The 30-year-old was the third tier's top scorer last season with 23 goals but appears to have been deemed surplus to requirements by Addicks boss Nathan Jones as the Welshman prepares for his first full season in charge at The Valley. Only eight of those goals plundered by May came after the turn of the calendar year.

Recently relegated Birmingham City appeared to be rivalling Huddersfield Town to sign the striker but it now appears that the Midlands club has won that battle, according to transfer specialist Darren Witcoop.

Witcoop took to social media platform X on Monday to share: "Led to believe that Alfie May to Birmingham is done. A big blow to Huddersfield after they initially thought the striker was joining from Charlton. Guarantees goals in L1."

Football Insider had reported that the Blues had made a £775,000 bid for the Charlton Athletic man to hijack ongoing discussions with Huddersfield Town, both clubs having sunk to League One from the Championship last term. May has a total of 73 third tier goals over his career and is one of the division's most respected marksmen.

The player only arrived at The Valley from Cheltenham Town last summer for £250,000 and could have reunited with former manager Michael Duff at Huddersfield Town. However, Chris Davies' project appears to have offered a more tempting prospect for May.

Speaking about the potential transfer last week, Jones told the South London Press: "It’s a very difficult one with Alfie. He is our player and we love Alfie here, he is a fans’ favourite and scores goals for us.

"I don’t just want this to be just about Alfie. What we have to do with decisions on any player is think about what is in the best interests of the club. If keeping Alfie is the best thing for this football club then that is what will happen.

“If for any reason Alfie May leaves this football club then we must have players that will come into the squad that make this football club significantly better. I have no financial pressure, or any pressure from the board or the club in any way to do anything. For what has been rumoured around Alfie, we’re not under any pressure to sell to another rival."