‘Farke is adamant’… Phil Hay says Leeds will want to make a new signing if £5m man leaves this month

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The January transfer window is now at the halfway point and Leeds United are yet to make their first foray into the market.

Daniel Farke admitted in his press conference prior to Leeds’ 3-0 win over Cardiff City at the weekend there are positions that need addressing, but movement has been slow so far.

Leeds are prepared to wait in order to secure their first choice targets but one position which still remains up in the air is centre-back, amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Charlie Cresswell.

Farke said last week that Cresswell will not be selected for the foreseeable future unless he improves his attitude. Those comments, coupled with his lack of game time could push him towards the exit door. He is not short of interest and an asking price of £5 million has been set.

And speaking on the latest episode of the Square Ball Podcast, Athletic journalist Phil Hay says Leeds could bring in another centre-back if Cresswell leaves, as Farke always likes to have four in his squad.

Leeds could sign a CB if Cresswell leaves

He said: “The thing that Farke was taking the most issue with wasn’t his timing, and turning up when he should turn up, like was an issue with Djed Spence. He basically said when we’re travelling away from home around about games, I see in his body language a quite deflated character.

“Somebody who isn’t focused, is frustrated and does he really want to be here and involved. Farke’s view on that at the moment is he doesn’t. This isn’t going to resolve itself and there has to be a decision one way or another.

“Farke is adamant on having four centre backs in the squad, so if he does move on, that leaves room for another one.”

The problem Leeds may face recruiting at centre-back is that potential signings may see Cresswell’s lack of game time, as well as the strong partnership of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, and be put off.

With both full-back positions and a number 10 all arguably a greater priority, Leeds shouldn’t panic even if Cresswell does depart, with Ethan Ampadu having proven he is more than capable of slotting in when needed.

Ampadu has started alongside Rodon in the last two matches and have looked really good together. It has also allowed Ilia Gruev to get a run of games in midfield, and he has been excellent.

It will be interesting to see how Leeds do approach this in the final two weeks of the window. Chris Mepham of Bournemouth is among those who have been linked.