Plymouth Argyle will have an even harder time keeping hold of Lorent Tolaj this summer as more sides enter the chase for the star forward.
The Swiss forward’s stock has rose dramatically over the past year after his move from Port Vale to Home Park, and alongside Bim Pepple has led a revitalised Pilgrims side to within four points of the League One playoff positions.
Hoops Face Further Competition
Celtic have held a long-standing interest in both Tolaj and Pepple, with the Parkhead side linked with the former back in February, and are also tipped with activating the release clause of the latter.
However, they are not alone in wanting to sign the Swiss striker, with Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke revealing that some unnamed Championship sides as well as other clubs abroad are eyeing a move.
Tolaj has excelled since his move to Devon at the start of the season, scoring 19 times and contributing 5 assists across all competitions since being recruited by Tom Cleverley. He sits joint-fourth in the League One golden boot race, some way off leader Dom Ballard with 22.
Argyle recruited the 24-year-old from newly-promoted Port Vale for a reported £1.2 million fee after activating his release clause in the wake of Ryan Hardie’s exit, having been sold to Wrexham earlier in the window.
Uncertainty May Hinder Bhoys
Celtic’s struggles up front will be of top priority for their recruitment plans this summer, and given his fine form in a different shade of green for Plymouth Argyle, it is clear to see why they are enamoured by Lorent Tolaj.
Benjamin Nygren has been their standout goalscorer, but with little in the way of other contributors further ahead of him, it has led to the struggles that the Hoops are facing in trying to retain their stranglehold on Scottish football.
However, their managerial situation may put a barrier in their way of securing deals, with Martin O’Neill still not certain to stay on beyond the end of this season.
That lack of clarity may hand some other sides, such as these unnamed clubs, an upper hand in negotiations for Tolaj.
Argyle’s Stock Rises
Just months ago, the situation at Plymouth was very bleak, but Tom Cleverley has arguably done one of the best jobs across the EFL this season in rescuing the club from a relegation battle to potential playoff contenders.
A big part of that is down to the efforts of Bim Pepple and Lorent Tolaj, and with the summer round the corner, Argyle will be able to drive up the price for the pair in order to secure a healthy transfer budget and some additional funds.
Under Simon Hallett, there has been a concern towards the finances, with their most recent reports seeing an increase of over £2 million in gross financial debt. However, selling their two biggest stars, while inserting some favourable clauses in those deals, could be the path forward to healthier coffers.
