Plymouth Argyle 'struggling' to agree new Joe Edwards contract

Edwards has made a total of 282 appearances for the Pilgrims since first signing for them in 2019, with 41 of those matches coming this season. But the 35-year-old is out of contract in the summer.

A new deal has been offered for the skipper. But Journalist Pete O'Rouke has reported that the Pilgrims are struggling to agree a new deal with captain Joe Edwards with his current deal expiring next month. He added that a number of League One and League Two clubs are interested in the defender and are keeping tabs on his situation.

Head coach Tom Cleverley had previously said that a contract offer had been made and that he was hopeful that the deal would be signed. But it appears as of yet that hasn't happened.

He had previously said: "As long as Joe doesn't come and ask for double of triple his salary, then I'm hoping the two parties can come to an agreement.

"There is obviously the club, the player, the agent, and the technical director (Derek Adams), but me as the head coach - and that's why I'm a head coach because I don't completely control recruitment and contracts - I want Joe Edwards in my team next year."

Following the end of the season, asked by Plymouth Live whether he would be staying at Argyle next season, Edwards replied: "It's the only place I want to be. It's a fantastic football club, I have got an amazing relationship with the fans and the club.

"Hopefully in the next few days we will see the answer to that. There is always little bits and bobs, and things that go on, but it's my club, I love playing here, I love the relationship I have got with everyone."

He continued: "There is no big conversations to be had. It has maybe taken longer than expected or everyone had imagined but for me captaining this club is something I'm immensely proud to do.

"It still makes me so happy walking out with the boys, it's a privilege to be captain of this football club. Let's just hope it continues and we can go one step further next year."