Daniel Farke has made it abundantly clear in press conferences, and in team selection, that he does not fancy Leeds United star Charlie Cresswell – which makes a new report all the more surprising.
The 21-year-old is really lacking in game time. He’s managed just one senior outing since October, and his last start came way back in August. The £5m-rated defender has played little over 400 minutes.
So, in January, it came as a surprise when reports claimed Leeds had rejected bids for the England U21 man. Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu and Liam Cooper are all preferred ahead of Cresswell.
But there is potential there. A young defender that starred for Millwall on loan last season, and a regular with England’s U21 side. Clubs are taking note of that as Farke continues to leave Cresswell stranded.
AC Milan eyed shock move for Leeds talent Charlie Cresswell
Italian clubs are starting to use the second tier of English football as a scouting pool. It comes after a number of Scottish players moved to Italy – Lewis Ferguson is shining for Bologna, even as captain.
Josh Doig, Aaron Hickey and more. Now, the Championship seems to be their port of call. Atalanta want Jordan James – midfield partner to Ethan Ampadu with Wales. Lazio wanted a number of players.
Former Elland Road man Jack Clarke, as well as Plymouth’s Morgan Whittaker. The Mirror now claim that AC Milan were considering a late move for Cresswell, but nothing materialised. It could be revisited.
Especially, with Cresswell struggling to get any kind of game time under the guidance of gaffer Farke. The German gaffer even questioned his attitude after the turn of the year, pondering Cresswell’s desire.
Has Charlie Cresswell played his last game for Leeds United?
With interest in Cresswell rife, and not only form England, you would suggest he probably has unless there are a number of injuries at centre-back. Only eight league games left to play, he looks unlikely.
Currently with England’s U21 side, Cresswell was an unused sub in a 5-1 win over Azerbaijan as he watched Archie Gray come off the bench to score the Young Lions’ fifth. It is a tricky time for Cresswell.
But with a lack of matches left, and Cresswell so far down the pecking order, you would imagine that he will move on in the summer and has therefore played his last game for the club. It remains to be seen.
Could Milan come back in? A move to the Serie A giants will appeal, but he should think about the bigger picture. He won’t play. Cresswell needs matches. He must join a side where he is considered first pick.
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