Plymouth Argyle face hold-up in pursuit of Tom Cleverley, they could face competition from elsewhere

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It’s been just over a week since Miron Muslic left Plymouth Argyle to join German side Schalke as their new manager, and a hunt for a replacement is continuing in Devon.

The Pilgrims were relegated to League One on the final day of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, and owner Simon Hallett slammed Muslic after he departed following just four months in charge at Home Park.

Plymouth have spent a lot of time over the course of the last two years searching for new managers with Stephen Robinson also now a target for the Greens as EFL Analysis exclusively revealed on Friday morning.

Yet the search continues, and the out of work Tom Cleverley has found himself the subject of interest from Argyle, but there is a hold-up in any potential agreement.

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Tom Cleverley is holding out for work elsewhere as Plymouth Argyle circle

There was outrage from Championship fans when Watford sacked Cleverley at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and he is now looking for his second job in management.

Plymouth are also interested in Jack Wilshere, but with the former Hornets boss’ experience, he will surely be a more enticing appointment.

However, Alan Nixon has reported that there is an issue with the Pilgrims’ interest in Cleverley. He said: “Tom Cleverley is set for talks with Plymouth Argyle this week – but hoping for a Championship move.

“The former Watford chief is on a final list of four who are due to see Argyle about the post. However, Cleverley is keen to stay in the second tier and is in the running for some existing posts and even one or two that may yet come up.”

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Tom Cleverley is an ambitious appointment

After guiding Watford to 14th in the Championship last season, Cleverley was looking to build this summer but he was not given the chance, with the Hornets hiring Paulo Pezzolano as his replacement.

Once again, the Hertfordshire outfit are an unknown entity heading into a new campaign, and Plymouth are looking to pounce on their decision to let go of one of the most promising EFL managers.

Argyle are looking for an instant return to the second tier, and the Pilgrims will be one of the favourites for promotion. However, they have to recruit the right manager for this new era at Home Park.

Cleverley offers stability something that he has lacked from his former club, and a deal to bring the two parties together just makes sense – even if it is ambitious.