Bristol City now want to sign Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell as Sunday transfer news emerges
Leeds United outcast Charlie Cresswell could finally be on his way out of Elland Road as three Championship clubs have staked their interest, according to Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper reported [14 January, page 105] that Middlesbrough, Millwall and Bristol City are all interested in signing the 21-year-old centre-back amid growing frustrations at Leeds.
Daniel Farke revealed earlier in the week, as per The Athletic, that the young defender would not be involved in his first-team plans as he is not “mentally ready” to play.
“Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell is attracting interest from Middlesbrough, Millwall and Bristol City,” the Mail on Sunday wrote.
Disappointing attitude
It is a surprise to see Cresswell continuously left out of the squad by Farke, especially considering the team’s current issues at centre-back. Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk were both missing against Cardiff City on Sunday, leaving Joe Rodon as the only natural centre-half in the matchday squad.
The 21-year-old experienced an extremely successful loan spell at Millwall, making 30 appearances during the 2022/23 season and scoring four goals from centre-back. However, he has played just six times for Farke since returning.
There is clearly a behind-the-scenes issue going on, which the Leeds manager seems to have confirmed. But there will still be hope that Cresswell’s career at Elland Road can be turned around, with any move this January expected to be a loan.
However, it would come as no surprise if the deal was permanent, with the player becoming more and more frustrated with his situation at the club and wanting more minutes on the pitch.
With players piling into the medical rooms, through a revolving door, Cresswell could have presented Farke with a solid defender this season. And with Rodon set to return to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, Leeds are in desperate need of a trusted defender.
Fans will need to wait for Cresswell to be that particular player, though.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Merson slammed one Leeds star live on Sky Sports v Cardiff City.