Saints in bold plot to swoop for May
TOMMY WRIGHT says St Johnstone have kicked off talks with Aberdeen in a bid to seal a dramatic return for local hero Stevie May.
The Perth-born attacker has been told he can leave Pittodrie after falling behind Sam Cosgrove, James Wilson and Curtis Main in the pecking order — and Saints are desperate to land their former star.
May created history with his hometown team when he helped them win the Scottish Cup in 2014 before joining Sheffield Wednesday in an £850,000 deal.
Spells at Preston and then a £300,000 switch to the Dons followed for the 26-year-old, but he has struggled to hit the heights he reached at McDiarmid Park earlier in his career.
Now St Johnstone boss Wright believes he can breathe new life back into May’s career and is hoping a deal can be done to land the forward, who is also attracting interest from Dundee United, Dundee and St Mirren.
Wright said: ‘When I heard the news that he was available, I contacted the chairman and I think he’s already been on to Aberdeen to see what the situation is.
‘Stevie will have the pick of his clubs, but he’s someone I know well and someone who was at the club from an early age and is a local boy and has hero status.
‘If anything can be done — and I know the chairman will work as hard as possible to make it happen — then it would be something
we would be thrilled to get over the line.’
May still has two years left on his Aberdeen deal, so the financial package to make the move a reality will be expensive and tricky to negotiate.
But Wright believes that all obstacles can be overcome because the desire to make the deal happen is so strong from his point of view.
He added: ‘I would imagine finances will play a big part. It’s got to be right for three parties — Aberdeen, Stevie and the club he’s going to.
‘From our point of view, we have been quick to react. It shows the chairman’s intention in that he’s made contact so soon. We’ll now have to wait and see what transpires over the next few days.’
May suffered a serious knee injury in 2015 during his time in England, but Wright has no concerns about that or the striker’s recent lack of goals.
Although he scored only three goals in 41 games for Aberdeen last season, Dons boss Derek McInnes praised his overall contribution — and Wright feels that he can bring the best out in him if a deal can be concluded.
‘Anytime I’ve seen him, I haven’t spotted anything wrong with his fitness or movement — but maybe his confidence has taken a dent in front of goal,’ said the Saints boss.
‘He’s been unlucky at times, but he’s still a quality player.’
St Johnstone will give trialists Danzell Gravenberch, Tyler Garratt and Alex Jones another chance to shine today in their friendly against Linfield. Wright will then ponder his options.
He added: ‘The trialists did well the other night against Glentoran. But there will be no decision over the weekend. If anything is happening, it will be next week.’
There was also a sigh of relief after Matty Kennedy’s recent injury was confirmed as only a dead leg and he will be out for just a fortnight.
Drey Wright’s recovery from a cruciate injury is going well after a week at the FA treatment centre at St George’s Park and he is on track to rejoin the squad in August.
Meanwhile, Saints have named Jason Kerr as the new club captain.
Kerr, 22, said: ‘I’m young in terms of age but I have plenty of games under my belt. It’s a great honour.’