Plymouth Argyle facing road block in pursuit of ex-Watford FC manager | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle face a hurdle in their pursuit of landing former Watford manager Tom Cleverley

Plymouth Argyle face a hurdle in their pursuit of landing former Watford manager Tom Cleverley, who is said to be one of four on a list to take the reins in Devon.

The Pilgrims have been actively on the hunt for a new manager since losing Miron Muslic to German side Schalke at the end of May - leaving them to rebuild more than their squad after suffering relegation to the third-tier.

Argyle's search for Muslic's replacement has led to the club putting together a list of four names, with interviews set for this week - according to Alan Nixon's Patreon.

The Bosnian-Austrian manager's departure certainly came as a huge blow to the Pligrims - particularly given the popular support he had been given during his time at Home Park from both the fans and owner Simon Hallett.

Cleverley is reportedly set for talks this week, but there are apparently bigger ambitions on his mind.

Tom Cleverley's Championship ambitions could derail Plymouth Argyle move

As per Nixon's reports, Cleverley is scheduled to hold discussions with Plymouth Argyle this week as part of their ongoing recruitment process - but the former Manchester United midfielder's reported preference is to remain in the Championship.

Plymouth's approach comes just over a month after Cleverley was dismissed by Watford - bringing an end to his first full season in management.

Cleverley led the Hornets to a somewhat respectable 14th-place finish in the Championship, yet his tenure was cut short after securing five league wins since the new year.

His exit marked Watford's 10th managerial change in five years, though notably - Cleverley had become the club's longest-serving head coach since Javi Gracia.

This is perhaps why Cleverley is reportedly wanting to stay in the Championship - Nixon also states he is in contention for some other current unnamed vacancies as well.

Plymouth Argyle's managerial search continues - they may have to move away from Tom Cleverley

PlymouthLive recently reported the club's shortlist consists of Cleverley, Jack Wilshire, Des Buckingham and current St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson.

With Plymouth's relegation perhaps a challenge in attracting managers who want to remain at Championship level - there's no doubt their task to replace Muslic is complicated.

The next week - with interviews reportedly being held - will undoubtedly be crucial in determining whether Argyle can overcome the roadblock in their pursuit of Cleverley - or if they think one of the other three on the list is better suited to the job.