Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle are reportedly on the verge of completing the loan signing of defender Nikola Katic.

According to TeamTalk’s Fraser Fletcher, the Bosnian international will join the Pilgrims on loan until the end of the season from Swiss club FC Zurich.

The 28-year-old spent four years north of the border with Rangers from 2018, during which he had a loan spell at Hajduk Split. More recently, Katic has applied his trade in the Swiss Super League.

Final Roll of the Dice for Argyle

It has been a tumultuous season for Argyle, which ultimately sees them marooned at the bottom of the division. After surviving on a thrilling final day of the last campaign, any optimism that the Green Army had was quickly extinguished.

While the current predicament is about as difficult as it gets, new head coach Miron Muslic remains upbeat. Up until now there have been more outgoings at Home Park than arrivals, but fresh defensive options appear to be the priority. To this point, Argyle have conceded the most goals in the entire EFL, a recipe for relegation if left unresolved.

Muslic recently spoke to the Plymouth Herald about the prospect of a busy final few days of the window.

“It’s a hectic transfer window, not only for us but for everyone involved.”

“It was never about just getting players; it was about getting the right players for Argyle, who realise the situation we are in and are still be ready to face this big, big challenge.”

Katic will join new acquisitions Tymoteusz Puchacz and Maksym Talovierov in the new look backline. Katic has six international caps for Bosnia, having switched his allegiance from Croatia to Bosnia and Herzegovina last year. At six feet four inches tall, Katic could be the no-nonsense centre half that the Greens have been crying out for.

Can Fresh Faces Ignite a Spark?

For all the situation at Home Park seems hopeless, Argyle are the small matter of a couple of quick wins away from being right back in the fight. The trouble is however, they have gone winless since November, and winning runs in the Championship are difficult to come by at the best of times.

During their time in the Championship, Argyle have generally impressed in front of goal. In fact, last season especially, the Home Park faithful were arguably one of the most entertainer fan bases in the country, with goals flying in at both ends. The leading factor towards their plight has undoubtedly been their defensive woes, so if their January newcomers hit the ground running, the gap could be closed.

After the sales of Michael Cooper in the summer and Morgan Whittaker and Lewis Gibson this month, there should be significant funds to reinvest. The Argyle board have been left with the ultimate predicament. Go all out to stay up in this campaign, or reset and go again next season. Having worked so hard to get back and subsequently stay in the second tier, the board needs to decide how much the club’s Championship status means.