Cheltenham Town face competition to sign defender after completing striker deal | OneFootball

Cheltenham Town face a battle to keep Ali Koiki at the club on a permanent basis.

The 25-year-old former Northampton Town defender is a free agent after leaving the club this summer.

He featured for Cheltenham in their behind closed doors friendly victory over Brentford’s B team earlier this week and impressed.

Cheltenham are keen to sign him on a permanent basis, but the left-back also has interest from clubs in League One as well as others in League Two.

Koiki endured a frustrating last season with injury but has since returned to fitness.

He also previously played for Burnley as a youngster, before spells with Swindon Town, Bristol Rovers and then Northampton.

Cheltenham get their new campaign off to a start on Saturday when they take on Cambridge United away.

They have completed the signing of forward Jake Bickerstaff on loan from Wrexham ahead of the clash, who has joined the Robins on loan for the season.

It followed the signing of defender Jokubas Mazionis from Ipswich Town earlier this week, who has also linked up with the club on a season-long loan.

And Cheltenham are now hoping to add Koiki to Michael Flynn’s squad.