No Town deal for Abraham despite scoring twice

TIMMY Abraham will not be joining Cheltenham Town on loan ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The Fulham forward, pictured during his brief spell with Bristol Rovers early last year, appeared in three pre-season games, scoring twice in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory at Kidderminster Harriers.

He also featured in the 3-0 win at Evesham United and the 3-0 home defeat by Birmingham City, in a bid to impress boss Michael Duff. But Duff will not be taking the younger brother of Chelsea and England star Tammy on for the League One campaign.

Duff is, however, close to finalising deals after several setbacks in recent weeks. He has so far brought in goalkeeper Owen Evans and midfielder Elliot Bonds, from Wigan Athletic and Hull City respectively.

Bonds is yet to feature as he recovers from a knee injury, but could be given a short runout in one of Tuesday’s simultaneous friendlies at Hereford FC and Hungerford Town.

Cheltenham are hoping to bring Leicester City attacking midfielder Callum Wright back for a second loan period after his successful spell during the second half of last term.

They are also looking for a left wing-back to provide competition for Chris Hussey, with trialist Vincent Harper set to feature for a third time at home to Coventry City today (3pm).

Harper has impressed, but he is not Cheltenham’s only option in that position.

At the top of Duff’s priorities is a centre forward to take squad number nine. He was keen on West Brom’s Callum Morton, 21, but the former Northampton Town and Lincoln City loanee is set to join another League One club.

Forest Green Rovers continue their pre-season preparations at Leamington today (1pm). Their second, and final, home pre-season friendly is on Wednesday, as Rob Edwards’ men welcome Swansea City to The innocent New Lawn (7pm).