Leeds United make immediate decision as late interest revealed for defender exit
Leeds United are hoping to hold onto all their key players as the winter transfer window draws to a close on Monday.
Jack Harrison joined Fiorentina on loan earlier in the month, but the Whites haven’t let anyone else from their senior squad depart.
There has been little in the way of signings either, though, with Facundo Buonanotte’s loan move from Brighton to Leeds the only incoming of any note.
Despite the lack of business, Daniel Farke’s side are still in a great position in the Premier League, six points clear of the drop zone with 15 games left to play this season.
Leeds reject loan offers for Alfie Cresswell
Leeds let up-and-coming star Harry Gray join Rotherham United on loan earlier this month, with the striker now continuing his development away from Elland Road.
Gray, brother of former Whites midfielder Archie, scored his first senior goal in Rotherham’s 2-1 win over Northampton Town.
It has now been revealed that the West Yorkshire outfit also had the option to send young centre-back Alfie Cresswell out on loan.
The 18-year-old, whose older brother Charlie also played for Leeds, has had some interest in him over the past few weeks.
However, in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of Arsenal, Farke revealed that the Whites have turned down the loan bids for Cresswell.
He said: “Yes, there was loan interest, but we have said no.
“He has, since a few weeks, been a proper part of our training group, and he’s doing well.
“It doesn’t mean he will celebrate his debut against Arsenal, but they [young players] all have chances right now to be involved in matchday squads and perhaps also to get a few minutes.”
Who could leave Leeds before the deadline?
Cresswell will be staying at Elland Road for the second half of the season, but there still could be some outgoings before the deadline.
Joel Piroe has consistently been linked with a move away from Leeds this month as he continues to struggle for game time under Frank.
The Suriname international has started just two Premier League games all season and is yet to score a single goal across all competitions.
Rangers are reportedly interested in Piroe, and the 26-year-old could end up making a loan move to Glasgow before the window closes.
As for Cresswell, he’s going nowhere.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.