Onismor Bhasera deal to Blackpool called off

The deal to take Plymouth Argyle left-back Onismor Bhasera to Blackpool has been called off. Bhasera was set to sign on loan for the Premier League club until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

Blackpool agreed to pay a six-figure loan fee to the cash-strapped Pilgrims to take the Zimbabwe international. But The Herald understands talks between Blackpool and Bhasera have broken down. So, for the time being at least, the defender remains on the books at Argyle.

However, he will not play for the Pilgrims against second-placed Bournemouth in a League One fixture at Home Park today (3pm). That is because Bhasera is still struggling with a minor knee injury, although he should be fit by next week.

The collapse of the deal to take Bhasera to Blackpool is another blow for Argyle as they try to pay off tax debts to HM Revenue and Customs. The Pilgrims still have to find £270,000 to clear their arrears to HMRC, and avoid the possibility of another winding-up petition.

Bhasera had been a target for Championship club Crystal Palace before Blackpool came on the scene. The 24-year-old was signed as a free agent by Argyle last March after they successfully appealed against a decision to refuse him a work permit. He had impressed then Pilgrims’ boss Paul Mariner during a trial in January.

Bhasera has made a total of 35 appearances for Argyle, and scored his first goal in the 3-1 win at MK Dons on January 18. He suffered his knee injury in the same match and had to be substituted at half-time. This is Plymouth.co.uk