Manchester United are interested in raiding Leeds United for defender Charlie Cresswell – but at the end of the season rather than this month.
Leeds fans are probably sick of hearing that bitter rivals United want Kalvin Phillips, now it’s another homegrown prospect being wanted.
The Sun claim that Cresswell may find himself a wanted man at the end of the season.
The chances of Cresswell leaving Leeds would only increase if the Whites suffer relegation, according to this report.
Cresswell only has four Premier League appearances to his name but is highly-regarded at Leeds.
Marcelo Bielsa turned to Cresswell against West Ham earlier this season and Paul Merson was stunned by his performance against Michail Antonio.
The problem for Cresswell is that Leeds have a number of other players who can play at centre back.
Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Pascal Struijk, Luke Ayling… sure, injuries have been a problem, but Cresswell just can’t get in.
United may now pounce with an offer for Cresswell. The hope will be that Leeds want to take the money now for a player who isn’t in Bielsa’s starting XI.
The son of former Leeds striker Richard Cresswell, Charlie clearly had huge potential and his best years should be ahead of him at just 19.
Losing Cresswell may not go down too well, especially if he joins United, but taking in cash to strengthen the squad next summer could be necessary – especially if it means keeping hold of Raphinha instead.
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