Pundit names four clubs who want to sign Leeds United man Charlie Cresswell amid ‘very difficult’ Daniel Farke situation
The situation surrounding defender Charlie Cresswell at Leeds United is proving “very difficult” for Daniel Farke, according to Carlton Palmer.
Speaking to Football League World on Thursday (4 January), the pundit named Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Ipswich Town and Rangers as four clubs who are interested in signing the 21-year-old despite the Whites boss admitting that the centre-back is unavailable for a transfer this month.
He said the club “can’t afford” to allow a player of the England U-21 international’s ability to leave Elland Road, but he added that he “needs game time” after his opportunities have been limited so far this season.
“Daniel Farke has repeatedly said Leeds won’t allow Charlie Cresswell to go out on loan,” said Palmer. “There is plenty of interest for Charlie. Boro, Stoke, Ipswich, Rangers to name a few. It’s a very difficult situation for Daniel Farke.
“They’re going into the second half of the season, they’re challenging for promotion, they want to get automatic promotion, and they can’t afford to let a player out of Cresswell’s ability should they pick up any injuries. Unfortunately for Cresswell, he needs game time and wants to be playing after his successful loan spell last season.
“Middlesbrough, he would automatically go straight into their side given the injury crisis they’ve got in the central defensive areas. Ipswich are flying at the moment, going for promotion to the Premier League but it’s highly unlikely they’d let Cresswell go to a rival in their own league.
“Who would fit the bill for him? I would assume right now Boro would be the best fit for him because given what [Michael] Carrick did last season, they could push on and end up in the play-offs again this season.”
Tough
This is an extremely tough situation for Farke as he knows that Cresswell is more than good enough to play Championship football, but he is currently behind some more senior players.
The defender has only made four league appearances this season, while he’s played just one minute of first-team football since August and that came back in October against QPR.
That simply isn’t enough for a player who put in a number of excellent performances while out on loan with Millwall during the last campaign.
The England youth international hasn’t even been named in the majority of the Whites’ squads this season, so he must be incredibly frustrated about his situation.
While Farke is understandably cautious about allowing him to leave on loan during this window, Cresswell will be keen to ensure his career doesn’t stall and will surely be pushing for a move.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could be set to call up a player’s agent to complete their first January transfer.