'Get it done!' - Plymouth Argyle told to sign ex-Oxford United ace | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle have entered talks over signing Owen Dale on a free transfer following his loan spell at Home Park

Plymouth Argyle are keen on bolstering their squad this summer to ensure that they can make a stronger promotion bid next season.

Tom Cleverley's men finished below the League One play-off spots this term, despite ending the campaign with an impressive six-game unbeaten run, which included four victories.

The Pilgrims are now keen on building a squad that is capable of finishing in the top six next season, while their resurgent form in the second half of the campaign suggests that automatic promotion is also a possibility.

Plymouth have enjoyed the services of talented loan players such as Alex Mitchell, Wes Harding, and Owen Dale this term, and this summer will determine whether they have a permanent future at Home Park.

Plymouth Argyle praised for transfer advances for former Oxford United man

Argyle's transfer activity this summer will be somewhat dictated by the high-profile interest in attacking duo Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple.

Meanwhile, according to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Plymouth have entered talks over signing Dale on a permanent free transfer following the news that Oxford United have released him.

Football League World asked our Pilgrims fan pundit, Luke Hodge, if Dale could be a smart pickup on a free transfer, even though the winger hasn't contributed much in terms of goals and assists.

Hodge told FLW: "I think opinion among the Green Army is pretty divided on Owen Dale. But I'd say there's a slight majority in favour of getting him signed on a permanent deal.

"Personally, I'm keen on it. Yes, his output of goals and assists does need to improve if he's going to be a regular winger at this level. Nobody's pretending otherwise.

"But football is about more than just numbers or the stat sheet, and Dale brings plenty of other things that I think warrant him having a place in the Argyle squad.

"I think he's 27 now, so he's got bags of experience, but the standout thing is his work rate, his passion, and his sheer enthusiasm. As a loanee, his attitude was absolutely first-class.

"No one could ever doubt it. He sets the tone in games with his energy and his pressing, and he might not be the flashiest player on the pitch, but if he drags an extra 10 per cent out of those players around him, then he's worth signing for that alone.

"He's also rarely injured, which is gold dust given the injury problems we've had in recent seasons. He's nearly always available. So, for me, he's not going to be an automatic starter next season.

"I think there's room for us to bring in players with a bit more end product. But as a squad player, perfect. He can play on either wing. He'll roll his sleeves up.

"With our injury record, he'll almost certainly get a fair share of games. So, overall, personally, I'd love to see him at the club and to sit down and come to a sensible agreement that works for everyone. Get it done! Let's make him a permanent Argyle player."

Plymouth move will give Owen Dale the stability he needs to progress

Dale has notched just one goal and two assists in 28 League One appearances for Plymouth this term, but as Hodge alluded to, he brings other qualities to the table, such as his energy and work rate.

Meanwhile, the 27-year-old has been out of favour with Oxford in both of the last two seasons, spending time on loan with both Wigan Athletic and the Pilgrims.