Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell sales could fund new transfers as news emerges at Leeds United
Leeds United must surely now be in a position to sell Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt if they’re to do some business this month.
The two Elland Road outcasts are attracting plenty of interest this month after their increasing lack of opportunities under Daniel Farke this season, accumulating just 296 minutes of Championship action between them all season.
It’s understandable that both players have become unhappy and may be desperate to seal moves away from the club this month and the increasing interest should force Farke’s hand given his own need for new signings.
The Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on 14 January that Championship rivals West Brom have emerged as a potential suitor for Gelhardt’s signature, while clubs such as Plymouth Argyle (Alan Nixon, 9 January) and Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers (Daily Mail, 8 January) have also been linked.
The same can be said for Cresswell who has seen Joe Rodon, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk jump ahead of him in the Elland Road pecking order.
Both Bristol City (Mail on Sunday, 14 January) and Blackburn Rovers are interested in signing the England under-21 international (Alan Nixon) but any exit for Cresswell will depend on Farke softening his stance and the player pushing through an exit to discover himself again.
The Whites boss said in his press conference on Thursday (11 January, via Phil Hay) that the 21-year-old won’t be allowed to leave easily, but that the club will “consider it” if the centre-back asks for a transfer and an acceptable bid comes in for him.
Leeds United have gaping holes to address in the squad most notably at number 10 and at right-back with the club previously linked with Liverpool loanee Fabio Carvalho who ended up joining Hull City and Burnley full-back Connor Roberts.
However, in order for such moves to happen, Farke will need to allow both Cresswell and Gelhardt to depart West Yorkshire on permanent transfers but given the nature of those interested parties, it’s a decision Farke and those behind the scenes at Elland Road will take with careful consideration.
It would be very unruly for Leeds to splash the cash without a plan in place concerning the club’s finances and spending power but those ambitions could be given a considerable boost if Farke makes the call to sell players who no longer see their futures at the club.
In other Leeds United news, Paul Merson slammed one Leeds star live on Sky Sports v Cardiff City.