Whittaker not for sale as Rooney aims to boost squad

Wayne Rooney says he has met with Plymouth Argyle's board ahead of the transfer window

Plymouth Argyle head coach Wayne Rooney said the club is in a good place to bolster their injury-hit squad when the January transfer window opens next week.

The Pilgrims are without forwards Muhamed Tijani, Ryan Hardie, Ibrahom Cissoko and Morgan Whittaker due to injuries.

Argyle's medical staff are still assessing a groin injury on a fifth forward, Michael Obafemi, after the Burnley loanee limped off early in the 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.

"There's one which we've had an eye on for a long time, certainly six months, who we're hopeful we can do," Rooney said ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Coventry City.

"Then there's other players we're trying to bring in which will help us.

"But we're not in a position to say they're close because they're not close at the minute.

"But we know the players we want to bring in, we've identified players and then back-up players to that, and back-up players to the back-up players.

"In January sometimes it takes longer. We hope we can get players in as soon as possible, if not we have to keep working."

The former England captain has to make a decision on the future of Andre Gray, currently the club's only fit senior centre forward, whose short-term deal runs out on 3 January.

"Of course there's discussions, there's talks with Andre and his agent," added Rooney.

"From our point of view we have to do the right thing for the football club.

"Andre's important for us, he's shown that when he's scored some really important goals for us.

"He's the one forward we've got fit, so I think that brings a little bit more importance to him."

'Whittaker is happy here'

Morgan Whittaker joined Argyle for a club-record £1m fee from Swansea City in the summer of 2023

Whittaker, who has been out since the start of the month with a foot injury, is still seen as one of Argyle's prized assets.

The 23-year-old was named in last season's Championship team of the season and was the subject of a bid from Italian giants Lazio last January.

Last season's top scorer has found the net three times in 16 appearances this season and is likely to return to fitness in a couple of weeks.

"Morgan is very close to coming back playing, which is great for us," Rooney said.

"I suppose it's always a positive and a complement to any player when there's interest, but I had this throughout the summer really and stated that he wouldn't be leaving.

"As far as I'm aware he's our player and he will be."

He added: "I can't control speculation, Morgan can't control speculation, I'm sure it'll happen with other players as well.

"But ultimately, Morgan's got a long contract at the club and has already stated to me he's really happy here."