Plymouth Argyle midfielder Matt Butcher is in talks with Wycombe Wanderers over a potential move to the League One club, according to Football Insider.
The 26-year-old joined the Pilgrims in 2022 on a two-year-deal from Accrington Stanley and played a key role in their League One title triumph. This season has seen the former Bournemouth youngster relegated to a bit-part role though, and he has played just 331 minutes across 15 Championship fixtures to date.
He had to wait until October to make his first start in a 3-1 defeat against Swansea City, although immediately dropped back to the bench in the following game. Addressing the situation at the time, Butcher admitted his frustration:
“It’s a positive thing for me to get my first start but the result changes things doesn’t it? Obviously, as a player you want to play and it has been frustrating at times this season but there are 35 games left and we are going to need everyone.
“It chopped and changed last season when people were in, people were out. The squad is well balanced. It keeps everyone on it and involved, and ready. I thought I did okay and hopefully I can build on that performance.”
With his contract set to expire in the summer, Plymouth are open to a sale before the transfer window closes tomorrow night. Football Insider claim that Wycombe Wanderers have made an approach to sign the versatile midfielder in view of striking a permanent deal.
It is unclear if a fee is involved at this stage, although it is stated that Butcher may be tempted by the switch in order to find regular first team football.
The Chairboys have struggled in the third tier this season and are currently on a run of four games without a win. This has left them looking over their shoulders and they are just four points above the drop zone in 19th. However, Port Vale sit a point and a place behind them having played two games less.
Matt Bloomfield’s side are in real danger of being sucked into a relegation battle and as such, have made moves to strengthen their squad this month. They yesterday completed the signing of striker Beryly Lubala from League One rivals Burton Albion, having already brought in several attacking options in the form of Richard Kone, Chem Campbell and Gideon Kodua.
Writer’s View
After spending the transfer window focusing on the attacking end of the pitch, it’s no surprise to see Matt Bloomfield targeting a player capable of playing in both midfield and defence.
Butcher is someone who will arrive with plenty of League One pedigree having captured the title with Plymouth Argyle last season, but also playing a key role in Accrington Stanley’s midfield during their two excellent mid-table finishes between 2020 and 2022. This represents an excellent piece of business for Wycombe.
Head of Writing
