Plymouth Argyle latest on search for number one goalkeeper

Tom Cleverley has declared that signing a first choice goalkeeper is a priority for Plymouth Argyle as they continue to prepare for the 2026/27 League One campaign. The Pilgrims have already brought in up-and-coming 21-year-old 'keeper James Storer from Wolverhampton Wanderers but there remains a vacancy for a number one shot-stopper at this still early stage of pre-season. Argyle have been reported to be interested in signing Murphy Cooper, of Queens Park Rangers, who had loan spells last season with Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday. Read More: Tom Cleverley gives Argyle injury updates after pre-season opener Read More: Argyle start pre-season with win away to Plymouth Parkway Cleverley was asked about Cooper after the Pilgrims beat Plymouth Parkway 4-1 in their first pre-season match, and while he did not want to talk in detail about a player contracted to another club he did admit the 24-year-old was a 'keeper he liked and respected. The head coach also confirmed that Polish 'keeper Max Boruc, who was with the Pilgrims at their Spanish training camp last week and played as a 61st minute substitute against Parkway, would not be joining them. Cleverley said: "We are really appreciative to Max for coming in and training with us and there was always in the back of our minds there could be an opportunity for him. "We have already had discussions with him and that won't be the case but we really thank him for his efforts over the last week. "If anyone wants to ring me for a reference on him I would be more than happy to give a good one. An assured goalkeeper, a good professional and I wish him all the best." Storer played for the first hour against Parkway and Cleverley commented: "We have been very pleased with what we have seen in the training - big frame, scope for improvement, which no doubt Mike (Stowell, goalkeeping coach) and the guys will do. "He will be someone who will be a strong part of our goalkeeping department. It's no secret we will be looking to bring someone who will be number one in. "James will be pushing that slot all the way with the the quality he has shown in the last two weeks." Asked by Plymouth Live about Argyle's reported interest in Cooper, Cleverley said: "Murphy is a goalkeeper I like, I respect a lot, but for as long as he's not our player and he's contracted to someone else I won't speak in too much detail." He added: "In this division that we are in, your goalkeeper, your centre-back and your nine are your three most important positions. They are the three most recruited positions this window. A goalkeeper is clearly a priority." Cooper made a total of 28 starts for Barnsley over the first half of last season, before playing a further eight games after he went on loan to Sheffield Wednesday. You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE