Plymouth Argyle in talks to extend Ralls contract

Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley says he is in talks to extend Joe Ralls' contract until the end of the season.

The 32-year-old former Cardiff City midfielder joined the club as a free agent early last month on a deal that runs until 4 January.

The former England youth player scored the winner as Argyle beat Rotherham United 1-0 last week and has made four appearances.

"We've sat down with Rallsy this week, we've made our intentions clear what we want to do," Cleverley said.

"I want him to focus on what happens on Saturday first and foremost, but we're keen to extend that.

"He's an important player for us and hopefully will be for more time than just 4 January."

Ralls' introduction to the Argyle team has coincided with an upturn in form - the Pilgrims have won two of the four games in which the experienced midfielder has featured.

He spent 14 years at Cardiff, scoring 34 goals in 409 appearances for the Bluebirds and helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

"You can see how well he's done for us and how important he is for us," said Cleverley, whose side are in the League One relegation places on goal difference after an upturn in form.

"I didn't expect him to be scoring too many winning goals, but that was a real cherry on top. He's enjoying his football here. He feels really motivated.

"He feels like we've got a group that can achieve something more than just getting out the little sticky area we find ourselves in and that motivates him and he's enjoying being an important part of a big football club.

"So let's hope we can get that ticked off in the next week or so."

Ralls' contract extension could be the first of a number of pieces of business in January as Argyle look to try and correct their tough first half of the season.

They have won just seven of their 20 League One games as a combination of injuries and a lack of attacking players have hampered their season.

Newly-appointed director of football Derek Adams, a former Argyle boss, is leading the Pilgrims' plans for the January transfer window, and Cleverley is optimistic the squad will be improved next month.

"We're ready to go when January does come and Derek's made a great start to his life back at the football club in a new role," he added.

"He's really decisive, we're really structured and organised and that relationship's working really well.

"It's an important window for us. We must improve, I think we've identified where we need to improve and Derek's very decisive in doing that."