Plymouth Argyle pushing to seal new Charlton Athletic deal | OneFootball

Alex Mitchell is currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle from Charlton Athletic

Tom Cleverley has confirmed that Plymouth Argyle have opened talks with Charlton Athletic regarding a permanent move for Alex Mitchell.

The defender joined the Pilgrims on loan during the summer transfer window, and he has become a regular part of the side in that time.

The 24-year-old has made 25 appearances in League One so far this season, with the team still hoping to fight for a play-off place.

The centre-back bagged his first goal for the club last weekend in their 4-0 win over Blackpool, which moved them to within nine points of sixth place Huddersfield Town, while also having played one game fewer.

Mitchell had fallen down the pecking order under Nathan Jones at Charlton prior to his move to Home Park, but he still played 31 times in the third tier last season as he helped the Addicks gain promotion to the Championship.

Tom Cleverley confirms Alex Mitchell transfer talks

Cleverley has praised Mitchell’s impact during his loan spell, highlighting the positive contribution he makes to the dressing room, as well as his impact in the side on the pitch.

He’s confirmed that Plymouth are hoping to secure a permanent move for the defender for the summer transfer window, and that talks have already begun with Charlton.

“From a technical perspective and what the challenges of this league brings, we know you have got to defend your box first and foremost, and he's outstanding at that,” said Cleverley, via Plymouth Live.

"But then from a cultural perspective he's brilliant.

“He's one of the favourites amongst the boys.

“He's at the centre of all the foolery.

"We are starting early conversations, we want to make that move permanent, but there is a lot of football to be played for the rest of the season and that's where the focus is.

"We would love Mitch to be here this time next year.

“He's a big part of what we do on and off the pitch."

Plymouth endured a difficult start to life back in League One, but they have earned their way back up to 12th in the table.

The gap to sixth place Huddersfield is now nine points with 15 games remaining, one more than the Terriers.

Cleverley’s side won 4-0 at the weekend, ending a run of their games without a victory, and putting them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

Next up for the Pilgrims is a trip to face Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening in a 7.45pm kick-off.

Alex Mitchell permanent move would make sense for Plymouth

Mitchell has had a positive impact for Plymouth this season, so it’s no surprise that the club are interested in a permanent deal.

Given Cleverley’s comments regarding his impact off the pitch, his addition on a permanent basis would make a lot of sense for all parties.

It’s clear that he doesn’t have a part of Jones’ plans at the Valley due to their willingness to loan him out during the summer.

If a fee can be agreed between the two teams, then it would be sensible for the 24-year-old to remain at Home Park beyond this term.