Plymouth Argyle should pounce on Reading FC star to replace Morgan Whittaker | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle should turn to Reading's Harvey Knibbs if Morgan Whittaker leaves the club.

Plymouth Argyle star, Morgan Whittaker, has been the subject of bids from both Burnley and Middlesbrough this January. The 24-year-old could look to depart the Championship's bottom side.

Whittaker has been a standout for the Devonian side since his arrival last season.

The Pilgrims broke their transfer record at the time to secure his services permanently, having taken him on loan the season before. Plymouth reportedly paid an initial £1m to Swansea City and could be in for a tasty profit in the future.

With 19 goals in the second tier last season, it's fair to say his contributions were the difference between Argyle remaining in the Championship or being relegated back to League One.

This season hasn't been as successful for the winger, but interest has remained with Burnley and Boro submitting bids to sign him this January. He was available for selection in Plymouth's most recent fixture against the Clarets, but didn't show up to play for his club in the 5-0 embarrassment. Instead, the attacker watched on from the stands as his current employers were dismantled by his potential future ones.

It will be a tall order to replace Whittaker, but we think the answer could lie in League One. Financially troubled Reading have a goalscoring wide man on their hands who could be available this month, which Argyle should be all over if Whittaker leaves.

Plymouth should capitalise on Reading FC situation with deal for 8-goal winger

If the rumours are true and the attacker is to depart Home Park this window, Plymouth should look to replace him with Reading's Harvey Knibbs, who has been in electric form for the Royals this season.

The wide man has scored eight goals for the Ding so far this season, which is the second highest at the club behind only Sam Smith. Knibbs has been touted for a Championship move this January, but nothing has materialised for him yet.

With that in mind, signing the ex-Cambridge United man should be a priority for Plymouth should Whittaker leave, as the Reading man is a very similar player to the Argyle star. A goalscoring winger was key to the Greens' survival last year, and Knibbs offers just that.

One bonus for Plymouth, should they wish to make a deal for the Bristolian, is the ongoing situation behind the scenes at the Berkshire club.

Dai Yongge hasn't sanctioned a sale of the financially troubled club, which has left them vulnerable to having players poached for a cheaper price than they would've liked.

With a big fee expected to be received for Whittaker, Plymouth must reinvest this in the playing squad wisely if they want any chance of staying in the Championship. With Knibbs available for a lower price, it would be a smart piece of business.

Knibbs would be a smart signing for Plymouth to reinvest Whittaker fee

Plymouth are seriously struggling this season and look likely to be returning to League One unless Miron Muslic can perform a miracle. The squad is far below Championship standard, which has been proven with their first three performances under the new boss. If the Greens want any chance of beating the drop, they might have to cash in on their most valuable asset.

The 24-year-old going AWOL was a shock for supporters, as their team were dismantled by Burnley. It seems inevitable that Whittaker will depart Home Park in the coming weeks, and they must act to find a suitable replacement.

Argyle must reinvest the fee they receive smartly if they want any chance of surviving in the Championship. With Knibbs likely available for a cut-price thanks to the situation at Reading, the Greens should take advantage of this and bring the 25-year-old to the south coast.

The Royals star has all the key attributes that could make him the perfect Whittaker replacement. His tenacity, eye for goal and individual technique have the ability to make a difference in a tight game, which is something that Plymouth desperately crave.

With relegation back to League One looming, signing Knibbs would also be a smart piece of business for the future. The winger is a proven threat at third tier level, which could be a massive boost to a promotion push next season. Not to mention, he will gain a few months worth of Championship experience, which will certainly help him develop.