Gillingham could step up their interest in a hot-shot striker north of the border after his season ended on Friday night.

A stunning first season in Scotland for former Welling striker Dipo Akinyemi has caught the eye of several teams and League 2 Gillingham are understood to be one of them.

Akinyemi’s campaign came to a disappointing end when his team Ayr United lost out in the semi-finals of the Championship play-offs. They missed out on a place in the Scottish Premiership after a heavy two-legged semi-final play-off defeat against Partick Thistle.

Ayr losing 8-0 on aggregate and Akinyemi was sent off early on in Friday’s second leg, dismissed for lashing out at an opponent.

The Gills are understood to have looked at Akinyemi - the recently crowned Scottish Championship player-of-the-year - after his stunning first season north of the border. There will be plenty of other clubs showing an interest too, however.

Akinyemi’s netted 20 league goals after making the switch to the Scottish League. His prolific form infront of goal previously helped Welling United retain their National South status last season before going onto be a key man as Ayr finished second behind Dundee in Scotland’s second tier this term.

Gillingham might fancy adding the pace and power that Akinyemi possesses - something they looked to bring into the mix when signing Tristan Abrahams on loan from Eastleigh for the second half of last season.

The Gills will certainly be looking to add additional firepower to the side.

Commenting on speculation surrounding his future, the striker said: “It’s speculation, isn’t it? I'm an Ayr United player until anything has been set in stone or agreed upon.”

Akinyemi, 25, got his first taste of league football at Stevenage, then under the management of Teddy Sheringham, before a succession of non-league clubs took him under their wing on loan.

He made a permanent move to Dulwich Hamlet in 2018 and won promotion with them to National South - scoring the winning penalty in the play-offs. He was at Welling during the seasons that were interrupted by Covid but scored the crucial goals to ensure they escaped relegation.

Gillingham fans might remember the striker from a friendly encounter two summers ago when they were given a hard time by the front-man who scored twice at Park View Road.

Last summer he signed a two-year deal with Ayr United. He missed the first game of the two-legged play-off through illness. He’s ended the season with 24 goals in all competitions and 11 assists from 46 appearances.

The Gills have the luxury of an experienced recruitment department, headed up by former player/manager Andy Hessenthaler and director of football Kenny Jackett.

They appear to have their eyes across all levels with Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin also apparently on the club’s radar.

The Gills would face a battle for the 27-year-old’s signature with the Belfast Telegraph reporting that League 2 rivals Stockport County are also interested in the Northern Ireland winger.

He’s on a contract until the end of the season but has already spoken of his ambition to play at a higher level, even though his form has helped Glentoran claim a European place this season.

There’s no shortage of speculation around the Gills at present, and they should have money in the pot to lure some top talent this summer, as manager Neil Harris looks for just a few more additions to bolster his already impressive-looking League 2 squad.

The Gills, meanwhile, could raid Peterborough United for a couple of their unwanted players.

League 1 Posh have made midfielder Ben Thompson and left-back Joe Tomlinson available for transfer.

Thompson spent time on loan with the Gills during the 2021/22 season after becoming Harris’ one and only January signing, linking up with his former Millwall boss again. The Gills have also previously shown interest in Peterborough left-back Tomlinson.