Plymouth Argyle have revealed they tried to sign Swansea City youngster Morgan Whittaker on a permanent deal this January in a bid to keep him at Home Park.
Swansea confirmed their decision to recall the 21-year-old from his season-long loan spell with the Pilgrims on Tuesday night, just three days into the current transfer window. The move bolsters Russell Martin's attacking options but deals a bitter blow to the League One leaders.
The versatile attacker joined Argyle back in the summer and netted nine times in total for Steven Schumacher's side. Such form immediately sparked suggestions of a possible recall to SA1, although Plymouth were understandably keen on keeping the former Derby County man, and have now revealed they even explored the possibility of making his stay permanent in a bid to keep him on board.
READ MORE: Swansea City recall Morgan Whittaker from Plymouth Argyle loan as squad shake-up continues
In a statement confirming the move, the club said: "Argyle forward Morgan Whittaker has been recalled by parent club Swansea City.
"Whittaker, 21, had been enjoying a career best season at Home Park, and remained committed to seeing out his loan with the Sky Bet League One leaders to the end of the campaign as initially agreed. However, Argyle officials received formal confirmation late Tuesday afternoon that the Swans would recall him to play a part in their Championship campaign.
"Keen to ensure every avenue was explored in retaining an integral member of the Greens’ high-flying squad, Argyle made several proposals to Swansea City, including amending the financial terms of the loan deal, as well as enquiring about a permanent transfer."
It remains to be seen what sort of role the forward will play upon his return to SA1. Indeed, it's possible he may yet be sold before the window's out.
However, he will be given the chance to impress Martin when he returns to Fairwood.
Commenting on Whittaker's departure, Argyle Director of Football, Neil Dewsnip, added: “We are obviously disappointed that Morgan’s loan has been cut short. He was enjoying his football tremendously, and we felt we were providing the best possible environment for him to develop and contribute.
“We did everything we could to retain Morgan for the duration of the loan as initially agreed, but it was not to be. Morgan loved his football here, which is a testament to Steven Schumacher and the club as a whole for our approach to player care, and we hope he can continue to build on the promise he has shown here.
“The recruitment department at the club plans for any eventuality, and we are already well underway with our January operations, as is clear by the additions of Ben Waine and Saxon Earley.
“Argyle is an exciting club to play for right now, and a brilliant place for talented young players to come and improve, as Morgan has evidenced. We are confident that, thanks to the backing of the Board, our additions in January will ensure that we are not knocked off course by the disappointing loss of Morgan.”
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