Plymouth Argyle‘s search for a goalkeeper has taken a knock following reports that The Pilgrims have had an approach rejected.
Wayne Rooney’s side are in the hunt for a new stopper following the sale of Michael Cooper to fellow Championship side Sheffield United last week. BBC Sport report that The Blades have paid over £2 million for the 24-year-old, a fee which could rise up to £4 million.
According to Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke, Plymouth have made an approach to Premier League outfit Brentford for their England youth international keeper Matthew Cox, but have been turned away. He spent last season on loan at Bristol Rovers, but the London club have a first-team spot in mind for the 21-year-old.
During his time at The Gas, Cox kept three clean sheets and conceded 51 goals across 34 features in what was his first loan away from his parent club. He joined Thomas Frank’s side in 2021 on a free transfer from AFC Wimbledon.
A deputy to Wigan Athletic‘s Sam Tickle in the Young Lions’ squad, the Sutton-born shot-stopper is under contract at Brentford until 2028 and is currently third-choice at the Hounslow side behind Mark Flekken and Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson.
Previous reports from Football Insider have linked The Green Army to Tickle and face unnamed Championship opposition for his signature. The 22-year-old has made 57 appearances for the Latics since joining in 2022.
Argyle currently have one senior keeper at Home Park in Conor Hazard, who has played in all three games so far this season. He conceded four goals on opening day against Sheffield Wednesday before picking up his first and only clean sheet so far in the EFL Cup against Cheltenham Town.
At the moment, Zak Baker is the substitute choice for the Devon side, having picked up EFL clearance to play for The Pilgrims after initially being on loan at local side Plymouth Parkway. Rooney however is hopeful that a solution will be found soon, saying ahead of the game against Hull City last weekend (Quotes via Plymouth Live): “We are advancing, we are getting closer. It won’t be done by tomorrow so young Zak is registered now so he will be on the bench, and hopefully early next week we can have someone in.
“It’s probably what we thought after Michael had left. Of course, it takes a little bit of time. We know where we want to go to get our goalkeeper and it’s just trying to finalise that.
“We have one we have identified and want to bring in. We are trying to do that as quickly as possible. We feel it’s the right one for us but, of course, we have to be ready as well if that doesn’t happen.”
Writer’s View
It seems that Plymouth Argyle will have to search elsewhere following their rebuttal from Brentford over Matthew Cox. Presumably, he was the player that Wayne Rooney alluded to in his pre-match press conference a few days ago and now have to consider alternatives following the setback. Thomas Frank seems to have faith in Cox’s ability to be a real challenger for a place in The Bees’ matchday lineups and could see some action in the cup competitions this year.
The Green Army will likely have a few candidates for their goalkeeper vacancy. With Cox it seems they are looking for a young, upcoming keeper to sign as competition for Conor Hazard. Whilst maybe past his prime at 37, former Millwall keeper Bart Bialkowski could be a contender for a place. He was a strong deputy at the London club and has a wealth of EFL experience.
Whilst not at the level of the Championship, 22-year-old Louie Moulden could be another choice on the market following his release from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is a similar age to Cox and was also on loan to League One last season, with Northampton Town and made 12 appearances. Rumours linked him to Salford City earlier this window and would be a nice cover option should Plymouth decide that Hazard will be their first choice for this season.
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