Plymouth Argyle

Image source, Rex Features

Tom Cleverley says his squad have answered all his questions in pre-season but he admits he still wants to add a new striker to the ranks this week.

Relegated Plymouth will start their League One campaign at home against Barnsley on Saturday and their manager insisted he is close to working out his best XI.

But the identity of a number nine remains unclear despite Cleverley being hopeful of adding the final piece of the jigsaw and hit the ground running.

"The players are fit, they understand what I want from them and we are very close to working out what our best team is," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon after losing their final pre-season friendly 2-0 against Bristol City.

"I go into next week with very few questions about my team, which is the important thing."

Getting a new striker remains a priority following the departures of Ryan Hardie to Wrexham and Mustapha Bundu. Argyle have signed youngsters Bim Pepple and Owen Aseni.

Nottingham Forest forward Dale Taylor understood to be a target.

"It is still the case [that we want to bring a striker to the club," Cleverley said. "Conversations between the two clubs are ongoing and we are hoping.

"It is never easy pre-season when clubs have got big transfers going on. Sometimes you are down the pecking order in terms of priorities, but we are working hard to make that happen."

Blackpool face competition from Plymouth Argyle for 21-year-old Nottingham Forest and Northern Ireland striker Dale Taylor's signature. (Alan Nixon via Patreon - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Monday's gossip column here.

Image source, Rex Features

Plymouth Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley says the club is "working hard" to bring in an experienced centre forward.

With Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu having left the club over the summer, the Pilgrims' attacking options are limited.

Argyle have signed youngsters Bim Pepple and Owen Aseni, while wide players Jamie Paterson and Xavier Amaechi have also joined the club in the current transfer window.

"We all want those deals to be done as quick as possible," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon.

"Now it's important that you don't bring the wrong one in, just because he's there to do.

"There's a premium price on League One strikers and people who can score goals at this level.

"We're working really hard and I'm confident we'll see one come in in the next 10 days."

Image source, Rex Features

Plymouth Argyle attacking midfielder Rami Al Hajj is set to leave the club, according to head coach Tom Cleverley.

The 23-year-old former Sweden Under-21 international struggled to make an impact after moving to Home Park from Danish side Odense last season.

Al Hajj, who still has two years on his contract at Plymouth remaining after joining for an undisclosed fee last August, has not been with the squad on their pre-season trip to Austria.

He scored just three goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for the Pilgrims last season.

"Rami looks close to a move away from the club," Cleverley said.

"It was apparent to when when I arrived that he wanted to move away from the club, and England. We're all working towards that."

Plymouth Argyle look set to win the race to sign Fleetwood Town midfielder Brendan Wiredu, 25, as they enter advanced talks for his signature. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip column here.

Stoke City have entered advanced talks to sign Plymouth Argyle and Ukraine defender Maksym Talovierov, 25. (Football Insider), external

The Pilgrims are in advanced discussions of their own with Norwich City goalkeeper Archie Mair, 24, following the conclusion of his contract at Carrow Road. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Tuesday's gossip column here.