Tom Cleverley's 'realistic' Lorent Tolaj, Bim Pepple transfer claim at Plymouth Argyle | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley has discussed the futures of strikers Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple ahead of the summer transfer window

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley has opened up on the future of strikers Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Pilgrims failed to land a League One play-off spot this term, meaning they will have to wait at least another year to seal promotion to the Championship, and making them more susceptible to losing some of their biggest assets.

Argyle forwards Tolaj and Pepple scored 18 and 16 goals, respectively, in the third tier this term, which has already attracted attention ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

Only League One golden boot winner Dom Ballard, Stockport County hotshot Kyle Wooton and Exeter City's Jayden Wareham scored more goals in the third tier than Tolaj this season, while the former Port Vale man also registered eight assists.

Tom Cleverley reveals whether he thinks one or both of Lorent Tolaj or Bim Pepple could stay at Plymouth Argyle

Argyle ultimately failed to land a League One play-off place, but they must be given credit for finishing just two points adrift of the top six, having sat in the relegation zone midway through the campaign.

Cleverley did a largely stellar job in the second half of the season, but Pepple and Tolaj's goalscoring exploits were pivotal to his side's impressive climb up the table.

According to the Daily Mail, Norwich City, Portsmouth, Watford, and Lincoln City are all interested in Pepple, who scored a brace against Port Vale in the penultimate game of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Alan Nixon has revealed via Patreon that Sheffield United, Preston North End, and Leicester City have eyed Tolaj, who has been valued at £1.2million.

The 24-year-old ended his prolific season by scoring in Argyle's final day victory over Northampton Town.

However, when asked by Plymouth Live if his side could retain one or both of Pepple or Tolaj this summer, Cleverley said: "It's certainly realistic.

"I worked in the Championship (at Watford) for almost 18 months. There are not that many clubs that have got cash at their disposal to the extent of the fees that we will be looking for.

"So it's realistic, the players have got long contracts. It's the way modern day football is, of rumour, of speculation, but ultimately they have had a great season, and they deserve to be linked with higher levels.

"But they are in long-term contracts and there aren’t that many clubs outside the Premier League that have those sort of fees to spend. They are our players until my phone goes, or Derek (Adams, director of football), or Paul (Berne, CEO) or Simon’s (Hallett, chairman) phone goes. Let’s see."

As Cleverley alluded to, Pepple is under contract with Argyle until 2029, with Tolaj's deal at Home Park having the same length, so the Pilgrims can command high transfer fees for the duo.

Lorent Tolaj could be more likely to leave Plymouth this summer than Bim Pepple

It is no surprise that both Tolaj and Pepple have attracted high-profile interest from Championship sides, as they are talented strikers whose club have failed to win promotion from League One.

Meanwhile, as per the Daily Mail, Celtic have eyed both Tolaj and Pepple, so the Scottish Premiership is another possible destination for the 24-year-old and the 23-year-old.

Celtic are set to make key decisions this summer, having fallen below their usual standards this term, while they must find their next permanent manager.

Meanwhile, even though Tolaj scored just two more goals than Pepple in League One this season, the former Port Vale man could be more likely to land a move than his teammate.

Tolaj was a consistent attacking threat throughout the campaign, whereas Pepple scored just two goals before the turn of the year, highlighting potential inconsistency.