Plymouth Argyle are now closing in on a deal for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Alfie Devine, according to a report from the Athletic.
Devine was recalled from his loan at Port Vale yesterday, with Spurs feeling a move up to the Championship would suit the midfielder more in the second portion of the season. The Warrington-born youngster featured a lot for the Valiants during his loan spell, playing 26 times and scoring on three occasions.
Plymouth have already landed Leeds United youngster Darko Gyabi on loan, but are now set to add even more quality to their ranks with the signing of the former Wigan Athletic youth player. He has yet to make an appearance for the first team at his parent club but will be hoping to move a step closer to that by proving his worth in the Championship.
The Spurs midfielder will join his team-mate Ashley Phillips in joining Argyle on loan until the summer. They switched focus to another midfielder after losing one of their star players Finn Azaz to Middlesbrough recently. Devine was one of the players they identified as a replacement, and a deal is now nearing completion.
In the Championship, the Pilgrims sit 18th in the table. Reinforcements were needed in the January window to try and avoid being pulled into a relegation battle, with Birmingham City below them adding a wealth of managerial experience by bringing in Tony Mowbray. New head coach Ian Foster is tasked with the challenge of keeping his new side in the division, after leaving a supporting role at Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia under Steven Gerrard.
The 19-year-old is awaiting the go-ahead from Spurs for the deal to be completed. A medical will be expected before anything is officially signed, but he could be in the squad to face Cardiff City this weekend at the Home Park Stadium. The midfielder will be hoping for a start or at the very least a positive cameo on his home debut.
Writer’s View
Devine will replace that lack of creativity Argyle has lost through the sale of Azaz. The England u20 international has proven this season and in previous seasons at underage level with Spurs that he has an eye for goal and that final pass, which is something the Championship side would have identified after losing their Irish midfielder to Boro.
It’s a chance for the 19-year-old to show his club he has what it takes to play at a higher level, making it a good scenario for all involved in the loan deal.
