Plymouth Argyle player could leave before February 2nd - Tom Cleverley open to exit | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle midfielder Ayman Benarous has attracted loan interest from several clubs ahead of transfer deadline day.

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley is keen to utilise the final days of the winter transfer window to reshape his squad.

The Pilgrims have added former Port Vale winger Ronan Curtis to their ranks this month, while Cleverley's men remain just eight points adrift of the play-off places, despite sitting just 14th in League One.

Argyle have been on top form in recent weeks, avoiding defeat since their 4-1 loss to Reading on Boxing Day, with victories over Burton Albion, Peterborough United, and Luton Town.

Plymouth can close the gap on the top six if they defeat fourth-place Stockport County at Edgeley Park this Saturday.

Plymouth star Ayman Benarous attracts interest from several clubs ahead of transfer deadline day

Ayman Benarous only joined Cleverley's side on a free transfer last summer, having previously represented Championship club Bristol City.

The 22-year-old, who can operate as both a wide midfielder and a left-back, has made 15 appearances for the Pilgrims across all competitions this term.

However, the Devon outfit could already facilitate his exit before the transfer window closes on Monday.

Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke revealed via X that Benarous has attracted interest from a 'host of clubs', and Plymouth are open to loaning him out.

The versatile youngster rose through the youth academy ranks at Bristol City and went on to make 12 senior appearances for the Robins, which all came in the 2021/22 season.

Before joining Plymouth, Benarous had not played for over two years, courtesy of a series of serious knee injuries.

When Plymouth signed Benarous in the summer, Cleverley told Argyle's club website: "Ayman is a young player with brilliant potential and has impressed us all since he came in to train with the squad.

"He was highly thought of at Bristol City, but unfortunately had bad luck with injuries. He's shown everyone here during the last week the talent he has at his disposal.

"We are really pleased he has agreed to join us as he had a number of options to choose from but felt Argyle was the best place for the next step in his career."

However, largely thanks to yet another knee injury in October, Benarous has made just 12 League One appearances for Cleverley's side, with just five starts in the second tier.

Benarous enjoyed a promising youth career and represented England at Under-17 level, but he has made just 27 senior appearances across his time for both Bristol City and Plymouth.

The 22-year-old desperately needs to stay fit if he joins a new club on loan by transfer deadline day, just to get his career off the ground.

Meanwhile, Argyle's first game without Benarous in their squad could come against Lincoln City on 7 February, which is set to be a tough fixture.

The Imps are capable of winning automatic promotion to the Championship come the end of the season, and will fancy their chances of beating Plymouth in February's first game week.