Pompey have looked at Plymouth Argyle striker Aribim Pepple earlier this summer, but they have since moved on to other targets.

Tom Cleverley has reiterated he wants to keep in-demand striker Aribim Pepple this summer.

The frontman has attracted interest from the Championship this window after a brilliant maiden campaign at Home Park.

The Canada international netted 18 goals in 41 appearances at Home Park last term and ended the season in red-hot form, scoring in 16 of his final 24 outings.

placeholder image — Aribim Pepple. | Getty Images

His impressive goal-tally didn’t go unnoticed, with The News understanding earlier this summer that Pepple’s name was on the Blues’ centre-forward shopping list as they sounded out potential targets.

However, it is understood Pompey have not made any fresh efforts in their pursuit to land the striker, who has a seven-figure release clause in his Argyle terms.

Although John Mousinho’s men do still retain an interest, clubs from across the Championship are also believed to be keen, with Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United the latest to be touted.

Plymouth do still face a tough battle to keep Pepple beyond the summer, with strike-partner Lorent Tolaj sealing a reported £4m switch to Bristol City on Monday.

And after the departure of the 22-goal Swiss frontman, Cleverley has made it clear he wants Pepple to remain in Devon next season as he assembles a squad to compete for promotion.

Tom Cleverley on Aribim Pepple future

Speaking to Plymouth Live: ‘His rise has been incredible really, post-Christmas. He's a very, very important player for us. He's adored here by players, staff and supporters.

‘The player deserves a lot of credit for where he has got to now. He's a big part of it. When you are playing 4-4-2 you want the best strikers, you want four if possible.

‘I wouldn't want to be losing another one any time soon. Individuals are not going to bring this club success, it will be the group, but we want Bim to stay for sure.

‘I think you know us well enough now to know that we are very organised in terms of contingency plans. We are ready to press the button on a couple of things.

‘That has been an ongoing process with myself, Paul (Berne, chief executive officer), David (Fox, head of football operations) and Derek (Adams, director or football). All those plans are in place for when the time comes, and that's with any of our players.

‘It's not just Lorent, that's with any of the players. We have succession plans and it's important we do that.

‘It's the beauty of having longevity and stability at a club, where that's not always changing, so let's take advantage of that and make sure we are ready to react.’

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