Gillingham linked with move for Ayr United striker Dipo Akinyemi after impressive first season in the Scottish Championship; Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin also in the frame

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