The agent of Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell has admitted that the Premier League outfit would have considered selling him during the January transfer window.
And it’s hard to imagine they would have been short of offers.
Cresswell, an England u21 international who captained Leeds’ reserves to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title, is making the step up to senior football look like child’s play during a fine loan spell at Millwall.
Not only is the giant centre-back a key cog in one of the Championship’s most watertight backlines, he also has five goals and one assist for Gary Rowett’s promotion-chasers. A major threat in both boxes.
Cresswell’s agent, Hayden Evans, admits that Leeds may have been tempted to cash in over the winter; Stoke City, Norwich and Middlesbrough among those reportedly keen.
Charlie Cresswell facing uncertain future at Leeds United
Now, however, with Leeds not yet safe from relegation and with a new head coach potentially on the way, the academy graduate’s future is very much up in the air. The summer transfer window is now only a few months away.
“At the time, there were no real objections from Leeds if the right price was found. That may have changed, though. New manager (may) want everyone in pre-season,” Evans tells The Athletic’s Phil Hay Show podcast.
“So, they can make their own assessments. And Charlie’s form – he’s doing what we know he is capable of. It is interesting. We will see.
“He’s under contract. He’s got another year at Leeds. The interest is there.”
Cresswell has spent the last ten years at Elland Road. If Leeds do go down – Javi Gracia’s side host Liverpool on Monday looking to bounce back from that 5-1 humiliation at home to Crystal Palace – Cresswell’s proven track record in the Championship could come in very handy.
Particularly considering Liam Cooper’s injury record. Robin Koch could leave as he looks to secure a place in Germany’s Euro 2024 squad. Diego Llorente also has an option-to-buy clause in his AS Roma contract.
“It’s not a surprise (other clubs want to sign him). He’s been really, really good,” Millwall boss Rowett said before Christmas.
“For a first loan, to come into a difficult division when we’ve probably not been at our best in that period, he’s done really, really well. I’m not surprised (Norwich want him). He’s a really good player and one with a lot of potential.”
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