Norwich City: Ben Knapper should avoid Plymouth Argyle transfer - he’s already struck gold | OneFootball

Norwich City shouldn't complete a transfer swoop for Plymouth Argyle striker Bim Pepple

Norwich City enjoyed resurgent form under Philippe Clement, and appear set to challenge for a Championship play-off spot next season, if they get their transfer business right in the summer.

The Canaries were threatened by the prospect of a relegation battle thanks to the woeful spell overseen by former boss Liam Manning, but they have been one of the best second-tier outfits since Clement's arrival.

Norwich were beaten 2-1 by Hull City on the final day of the Championship season, but landed an impressive ninth-place finish, earning 65 points from their 46 league fixtures.

Hull's victory over the Canaries ensured that the Tigers qualified for the play-offs, and Clement is hoping to ensure that the Canaries achieve that feat next season.

Norwich City should steer clear of signing Plymouth Argyle striker despite impressive Pilgrims exploits

Alongside Clement's successful management, Norwich's greatly impressive form in recent months also came as a result of strong decisions in the winter transfer market.

For instance, mid-season arrival Mohamed Toure notched nine goals and three assists in 11 Championship appearances after moving to Carrow Road from Danish outfit Randers.

The striker produced a particularly eye-catching performance when he scored a hat-trick in last month's 4-2 triumph over Roy Hodgson's Bristol City.

Toure also produced a three-goal haul in February's 3-0 victory over Oxford United.

As well as acquiring Toure, Norwich signed winger Ali Ahmed from Vancouver Whitecaps, and he went on to show his class by scoring four goals and producing three assists in the Championship.

The Canaries are now vying to have an equally successful summer transfer window, with Clement hoping to steer the Norfolk outfit to the play-offs.

Norwich are in the race to sign Plymouth Argyle striker Bim Pepple this summer alongside Portsmouth, Watford, and Lincoln City.

However, Carrow Road sporting director Ben Knapper should opt out of a deal to sign the 23-year-old, as his club simply don't need another striker.

Toure has proven himself as a prolific Championship striker since joining from Randers, while fellow forward Jovon Makama was also a real asset before suffering an injury in February.

The former Lincoln man notched 10 goals in 28 second-tier appearances this term, as well as scoring an FA Cup hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Walsall.

Toure and Makama are good enough strikers to help Norwich in their quest to launch a serious promotion bid next season, which would make Pepple's signature unnecessary.

Clement's preferred system utilises just one out-and-out striker, so it is difficult to see where the current Plymouth man would fit in amid the presence of Makama and Toure.

As well as the aforementioned striker duo, Clement also has Mathias Kvistgaarden among his ranks.

The 24-year-old has struggled to adjust to the demands of the Championship, scoring just six goals in 36 second-tier appearances since joining from Danish club Brondby last summer.

Kvistgaarden made just 12 league starts, but Norwich may field him more next season, especially if Toure and Makama suffer further injury issues.

Ultimately, though, Clement could struggle to keep all three of his current strikers happy throughout the whole campaign, and Pepple's potential arrival would only exacerbate those problems.

Bim Pepple or Lorent Tolaj Plymouth Argyle exit is inevitable following League One play-off disappointment

Even though Pepple's services are not a good option for Norwich, Plymouth appear set to struggle to retain the former Luton Town man and fellow Argyle striker Lorent Tolaj.

The Pilgrims did remarkably well to give themselves a fighting chance of landing a League One play-off spot on the final day of the campaign, having resided in the relegation zone midway through the season.

However, Pepple has proven that he is too good for the third tier, as he scored 18 goals across all competitions.

His teammate Tolaj was even more prolific, scoring 21 goals in 35 appearances, including 18 in League One alone.

Tolaj has attracted transfer interest from Championship clubs such as Millwall, and the Pilgrims seemingly have no chance of retaining more than one of their starting strikers.

Meanwhile, thanks to the prolific services of Makama and Toure, Norwich should not be at the front of the queue to sign Pepple, despite his strong form in Devon.