Forget Celtic FC transfer - Derby County, Sheffield United & Stoke City must eye Plymouth Argyle raid | OneFootball

Plymouth striker Lorent Tolaj has gathered interest from Celtic as of late, but should face competition from these three Championship clubs

Plymouth Argyle's recent resurgence up the League One table in recent months hasn't gone unnoticed, with a number of clubs keeping tabs on one of their star players.

Tom Cleverley has turned the ship around in Devon and, at the moment, stopped it from sinking, with Plymouth having risen in the third-tier table in recent months after a difficult start to the season.

The former Manchester United and Everton midfielder inherited a squad low on confidence, with many not wanting to be there anymore, having just endured relegation from the Championship.

Things began poorly for Cleverley at Home Park, and with a run of six straight defeats in a row between October and November, it looked certain as though the 36-year-old would be dismissed.

However, he retained his role at the helm, which has looked to have paid dividends for the Pilgrims, who have gone from relegation contenders to play-off hopefuls in a matter of weeks.

Indeed, whilst Cleverley deserves a huge portion of the credit, a large chunk should be directed towards summer signing Lorent Tolaj, who joined the club from League One rivals Port Vale after his release clause was triggered.

The Swiss forward has been prolific in-front of goal this season, scoring 14 times in just 26 League One matches, and though he is to miss up to a month of action with a fresh injury, interest in him has been rife, with Scottish giants Celtic reportedly leading the race for his signature, along with teammate Aribim Pepple.

With Tolaj looking as if his time in Devon could come to an early end this summer, FLW has taken a look at three Championship clubs that should rival Celtic for his signature.

Derby County

Derby County's poor start to the season has been rescued by some excellent form since then, with the Rams one of many clubs that could realistically break into the top six come May.

Under the guidance of former Birmingham City and Blackburn Rovers boss John Eustace, the Rams endured a large summer overhaul in their playing squad to be moulded into a side of their manager's image.

Their front line in particular saw the likes of Carlton Morris, Ben Brereton Diaz, and Rhian Brewster all join the club alongside USMNT forward Patrick Agyemang, with the latter's stellar first campaign in England drawing interest from Premier League outfit Leeds United.

Should Agyemang indeed leave the club this summer, Derby will have money to spend and a big hole to fill, and should consider a swoop for Plymouth's Tolaj.

The Swiss forward has been on a constant upwards trajectory over the past few years, with a move to the second tier beckoning, and the Rams should get their noses in whilst they can for the 24-year-old, who could absolutely replace the American in the event of a departure.

Sheffield United

Sheffield United's forward situation is difficult to put a finger on.

Had Chris Wilder still been at the helm at Bramall Lane over the summer, the sale of Kieffer Moore to Wrexham likely wouldn't have been sanctioned, and following his swift return to the club, he sought to bring in former Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford on a free transfer.

With Bamford outshining the likes of Tom Cannon, Tyrese Campbell, and Danny Ings since his move to South Yorkshire, the Blades' forward options find themselves in a strange place, with Bamford's long-term future with the club up in the air.

The former Leeds and Middlesbrough striker penned an 18-month deal with Sheffield United recently, and if one or two of Cannon, Campbell or Ings leave this summer, a new option will almost certainly be required.

Tolaj likely wouldn't break the bank for the Blades and would offer an excellent alternative to their current crop, as well as learning from someone like Bamford, whose experience in the Championship is invaluable.

Continuing his rise through the EFL, Sheffield United could be the perfect next step for Tolaj amid Celtic interest, and the Blades could massively benefit from someone of his quality in the final third.

Stoke City

A deal that Port Vale fans would detest, Stoke City could well be in the market for a new striker in the summer.

Divin Mubama's loan from Manchester City is due to expire at the end of the season, Sam Gallagher's injury issues have rendered him more than an unreliable option, Robert Bozenik struggled for form before sustaining a shoulder injury at the start of the year that has kept him out of action for over two months, whilst Milan Smit's loan deal is set to become permanent at the end of the campaign.

Heading into next season, this leaves Smit, who himself has yet to make an impact in the Potteries since his move from Go Ahead Eagles, as the club's only fit and available striker.

Bozenik and Gallagher will return from injury, though the latter's future at the club is up in the air, whilst Nathan Lowe is due to return from his most recent loan spell with Wycombe Wanderers.

Robins could turn to the third tier to bolster the Potters' attacking ranks, and someone like Tolaj would absolutely fit the bill, although his connection with city rivals Port Vale would make it a controversial switch to say the least.