Celtic transfer could happen: What is Bim Pepple’s contract situation at Plymouth Argyle? | OneFootball

Aribim Pepple's form for Plymouth has seen him linked with a move to Celtic among numerous other European sides

Plymouth Argyle are enjoying a resurgence in form under Tom Cleverley, with the Pilgrims firing themselves up the League One table and within touching distance of the top six despite an awful start to the campaign.

Upon their return to League One this season, Plymouth, alongside fellow relegated sides Luton Town and Cardiff City, were among the favourites to go straight back up.

As things stand, Cardiff are the only side to have come anywhere close to those expectations, with the Bluebirds leading the way at the summit of the third tier under the guidance of Brian Barry-Murphy.

However, the Welsh outfit suffered a devastating 5-2 loss away to Plymouth over the weekend, in what looks to be a statement win for Cleverley's side, who are full of confidence right now.

Lorent Tolaj returned from injury and went straight back into the side, and though the Swiss forward has been exceptional since his move from Port Vale in the summer, it is his striker partner's form which has caught the eyes of numerous sides in Europe and in the division above.

Celtic lead the race for Plymouth Argyle's Aribim Pepple after an excellent run of form

Indeed, Aribim Pepple's form for Plymouth as of late has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the start to his life at Home Park.

Signed from fellow League One side Luton on a permanent deal this summer after loan spells with the likes of Grimsby Town, Bromley, Inverness, Southend United, and Chesterfield previously, the Canadian is in the form of his life in Devon.

At 23, this is Pepple's first season in League One, and having started life slowly at the club, his eight goals and two assists in his last 12 league appearances have seen him linked with a move to Scottish giants Celtic, who appear to be leading the chase for the forward ahead of several other clubs, alongside teammate Tolaj.

Turkish side Goztepe have also seemingly put Pepple on their radar over a potential move, with the Canadian's dazzling form in front of goal making waves across Europe.

Though having only joined Plymouth in the summer, Cleverley will be keen to keep a hold of Pepple for as long as possible, but what exactly does his contract situation look like?

Upon Pipple's arrival at Home Park, Cleverley said, "It’s great to have Bim on board, to add to our forward options. He had an excellent campaign last season, scoring lots of goals and contributing wherever he played.

"We are confident he will be an asset for us this, and we look forward to working with him to make him an even better player."

Though in Plymouth's announcement, no context behind the length of the contract was revealed, with no confirmation elsewhere as to how long it is due to run for.

Given the Pilgrims reportedly paid a fee of £250k up front, potentially rising to £600k, it's unlikely that the 23-year-old will have signed a short-term contract in Devon.

Therefore, the length of his deal can only be speculated, but given the fee Plymouth paid for him in the summer, it's likely to last a few years, meaning in the event of a sale, he won't come cheap.

Tom Cleverley will be reluctant to lose Aribim Pepple amid European interest

The interest in Pepple couldn't have really come at a better time for Plymouth and Cleverley, who have avoided any potential mid-season sale of the Canadian.

Though had you asked almost any Plymouth fan as recently as a couple of months ago whether they could see Pepple ever be linked with the likes of Celtic, they likely would have laughed.

His performances during Tolaj's absence, and indeed alongside the Swiss forward against Cardiff, have been truly outstanding, and indicative of what he is capable of once he's found his feet.

Confidence is soaring through his veins at the moment, much to Plymouth's benefit, and if he can help fire the Pilgrims back to the Championship this campaign, the fee they will be able to command for the Canadian will skyrocket.