PLYMOUTH Argyle are moving forward with plans to sign Zimbabwe international Onismor Bhasera after applying for a work permit for the defender.

The left-back impressed Pilgrims head coach Paul Mariner during his two-week trial last month and an independent tribunal will now hear the club's permit application as early as this week.

Bhasera is a free agent after cutting his ties with South African club Kaiser Chiefs last month, which had previously prevented the 23-year-old moving to Premier League outfit Portsmouth.

The defender trained with Pompey earlier in the season and the club were granted a work permit for his stay, before a contract dispute with his former club prevented his switch to Fratton Park.

Bhasera, who has made 13 appearances for Zimbabwe, also had trials with Championship clubs Queens Park Rangers and Sheffield Wednesday before moving to Home Park.

Mariner has also confirmed that contract talks are being held with four members of Plymouth's first-team squad.

Experienced goalkeeper Romain Larrieu and versatile midfielder Karl Duguid are negotiating their futures at the club before their current contracts expire at the end of the season.

Mariner revealed that discussions are under way with young wingers Craig Noone and Yannick Bolasie.

"We've already had discussions with all three players and with Romain," said Mariner.