Sean Fisher

Mon 28 November 2022 8:40, UK

Millwall’s latest transfer activity could tempt Leeds United to recall Charlie Cresswell back to Elland Road early.

Cresswell looks to have come on leaps and bounds this season during his loan at Championship club Millwall. The 20-year-old defender has picked up plenty of game time and experience down in London and will return to Leeds as a much more mature player.

But his Elland Road return may come earlier than expected after Millwall have been linked with signing Ryan Porteous in January. The Hibernian defender has been admired for a while by Millwall, and Gary Rowett could push Cresswell out of the squad by bringing in the 23-year-old.

The Scottish Daily Mail (28 November, page 63) revealed that Millwall are one of two clubs looking to sign the young defender, with Championship rivals Stoke City also keen on his signature.

“Millwall have been placed on alert after Ryan Porteous turned down a new contract with Hibernian,” read the report.

“Millwall previously failed in a £1million bid for the 23-year-old, who made his full national team debut in the 0-0 Nationa League draw with Ukraine.”

If Rowett is pushing for a January deal, then Leeds may as well go ahead and recall Cresswell from his loan. The Athletic’s Phil Hay revealed back in September that the Whites have the option to terminate his deal in January.

It’s an option that will look more and more tempting for Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta as January approaches. Leeds’ defence still leaves much to be desired and Cresswell could be a huge addition to the squad for the second half of the season.

It’d be tough on Cresswell himself to rejoin Leeds halfway through a season, but with game time looking increasingly unlikely at Millwall if they sign Porteous then he may as well try his luck trying to break into Marsch’s lineup.

In other Leeds United news, Sam Matterface is left stunned by the ‘superb’ Tyler Adams after his display v England in the World Cup