Gillingham, Oldham Athletic eye winter deal for sought-after National League star News: The72 – Football League News

Gillingham and Oldham Athletic had very conflicting expectations for the 2025/26 season, but now they are both looking to strengthen their chances of a League Two play-off place. The Gills’ inconsistencies have seen them finish 14th in the division – level with the newly promoted Latics in 12th.

After prosperous summers for both sides, which saw the signing of many high-profile newcomers, they look to continue their market activity with the Kent squad. Re-sign Travis Akomah on Wednesday and OAFC seals a loan for Kane Taylor from Aston Villa earlier in the window.

Next on their shopping list is prolific forward Kyle McAllister, who has attracted the attention of many Football League and Scottish Premiership clubs, reports Piet O’Rourke.

Since arriving at Forest Green in 2022, McAllister has had many enthusiastic admirers. His nine goals and four assists have put Robbie Savage’s Rovers into promotion contention, attracting interest from Gillingham, Oldham Athletic and Dundee United.

Goals at a premium for Oldham Athletic

Oldham Athletic’s triumph at Wembley last May saw them return to the EFL for the first time since 2022. Although the Latics have made impressive returns, they have struggled to find the net in League Two.

Mickey Mellon’s side are joint fourth for the lowest goals scored in the fourth tier with 26, the same number as bottom side Newport County. The loan signing of Mickey’s son Michael Mellon from Burnley has perhaps been the most effective finish, proving to be the club’s most lethal finisher with seven in 16 in the competition so far.

Oldham Athletic attacking stats in 2025/26 in League Two

But with the Latics averaging a respectable 2.4 big chances per 90, it’s clear they need more of an edge in the final third.

Should Oldham Athletic win the battle for McAllister – who average 2.7 shots per game in the National League – they will introduce a similar attacking profile to Mellon, but from outside, which could become an unmanageable force for League 2 defenders.

Could underperforming Gillingham be the right environment for Kyle McAllister?

Gillingham are not living up to the high expectations they had at the start of the campaign.

Despite a dramatic final comeback over Newport County this weekend, Gareth Ainsworth’s side have failed to capitalize on a promising start and head into a new season in the fourth tier unless they can reignite their early season form.

A summer of lavish spending has resulted in a major rotation along the Gills’ front line, which may not sit well with McAllister, who has been a mainstay on the right side of Forest Green since arriving from St Mirren four years ago.

Although, if Kent can offer the 27-year-old consistent first-team playing time, he could be influenced by the project Gareth Ainsworth is building.