Football League World
·19 August 2024
Plymouth Argyle in transfer battle to sign Wigan Athletic man
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Football League World
·19 August 2024
Plymouth Argyle are interested in signing Wigan Athletic keeper Sam Tickle as they search for a new number one.
Plymouth Argyle are keen on signing Wigan Athletic goalkeeper Sam Tickle, although they will face competition for his signature.
Wayne Rooney is on the lookout for a new number one after Michael Cooper joined Sheffield United, with Conor Hazard having started the campaign in between the sticks for Argyle.
So, bringing in a keeper will be a priority before the deadline, and Football Insider has revealed that Tickle is someone they want to bring in.
The update states that Argyle have ‘made a move’ to sign the 22-year-old, and that he is the ‘number one target’ for Plymouth.
However, a deal won’t be straightforward, as the report claims that another unnamed Championship side are also monitoring Tickle, so it could be one to monitor.
Furthermore, Wigan are going to want to keep Tickle, who has been an impressive performer since establishing himself as a regular last season.
The Latics are also under no pressure to sell, as the keeper only signed a new long-term contract earlier this year, which has tied him to the League One outfit until the summer of 2028, which will strengthen their negotiating position.
No potential fee has been mentioned in the update, but that does ensure that Wigan will be able to command a suitable sum for the youngster.
Even though he didn’t play as much as he would’ve wanted in the past two seasons due to injury, there’s no doubt that losing Cooper is a blow for Plymouth.
He is a very good keeper at this level, which is why Sheffield United were convinced to spend a few million to bring him to Bramall Lane.
So, Argyle clearly needs a quality replacement, and Tickle fits the bill.
He has done very well for Wigan, admittedly in League One, and most who have seen him play will believe he is capable of making the step up.
Furthermore, at 22, he is the long-term answer for Argyle, and this is the type of player they should be looking to bring to Home Park.
We know that Plymouth don’t have the biggest budget, and part of their transfer strategy will centre on bringing in new players, developing them, and hoping they increase in value along the way - which could happen with Tickle.
After a terrible display at Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day, Rooney’s side were much improved against Hull City on Saturday as they picked up their first point of the season.
That has lifted the mood somewhat, but they do need more quality before the deadline, with Rooney and the recruitment team sure to have several areas they need to strengthen.
So, it’s sure to be a busy end to the window for the Championship side, as we head into the final 11 days.