Gillingham & Salford City rival League One clubs for service of 7-goal ace | OneFootball

Wigan Athletic and Stevenage are among the EFL clubs pursuing moves for Ross County striker Ronan Hale.

League One duo Wigan Athletic and Stevenage are keeping tabs on Ross County striker Ronan Hale, along with League Two sides Salford City and Gillingham.

Ross County sit bottom of the Scottish Championship, six points adrift of safety, even though the one-cap Northern Ireland international has notched seven goals in 19 second-tier appearances this term.

Hale proved his worth in the Scottish Premiership last season by scoring 12 goals in 36 top-flight appearances, even though the Global Energy Stadium outfit suffered relegation.

A move away from Stuart Kettlewell's side is now on the cards for the striker, as he looks to further progress his career.

Wigan Athletic, Stevenage, Salford City and Gillingham battle to sign Ross County star Ronan Hale

The Belfast Telegraph's Steven Beacom revealed via X on Monday that Hale is in line for a move away from the Scottish Championship outfit this month, amid interest from Gillingham, Wigan, Salford, Stevenage and other clubs.

Wigan and Stevenage have both set their sights on Hale, as the Latics battle to return to the top half of League One, whereas Alex Revell's side are eager to land a play-off spot.

Meanwhile, in League Two, both Salford and Gillingham are vying for the ex-Cliftonville star's signature, with the Ammies keen on automatic promotion, while the Gills strive for a top-half finish.

Hale has failed to score for Ross County since their 3-3 draw with Ayr United back in November, but his overall record for the Scottish side suggests that he would be an asset in either League One or the fourth tier.

All the interested clubs in Hale are vying to sign a goalscorer who will be vital towards their respective aims for the remainder of the EFL season, but Stevenage should be particularly eager to acquire the 27-year-old.

Revell's men sit seventh in League One, just two points behind fourth-place Huddersfield Town, but their attacking statistics leave a lot to be desired for a play-off-chasing side.

Stevenage have scored just 26 goals in 22 third-tier fixtures, which is only two more than second-bottom Doncaster Rovers, who are now five points adrift of safety.

The Lamex Stadium club's top scorer, Jamie Reid, has managed a thoroughly decent return of eight goals in 20 League One appearances this term, but the added firepower from the potential signing of Hale would be a welcome addition for Revell and Co.

While Revell favours a one-striker system, Hale would provide competition that could enhance Reid's goalscoring efforts, as well as giving the play-off contenders better scope for rotation.

January is a vital month for Stevenage, as they face clashes with fellow top six chasers Luton Town and Bolton Wanderers, as well as fixtures against underperforming clubs like Barnsley and Peterborough United.

Revell's men can put themselves in a strong position by defeating Luton on Saturday, as play-off rivals Stockport County and Huddersfield are facing each other in a game which could already prove decisive for the rest of the third-tier campaign.

Meanwhile, Stevenage should not be concerned by the fact that Hale is currently operating in the Scottish Championship, a division which arguably lacks quality, because he has previously performed well in the top flight north of the border.