If reports are true, 49ers have made right decision after bid made for £4m Leeds star

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Reports emerged on Monday that Leeds United star Charlie Cresswell was the subject of a bid from Scottish side Rangers – and the 49ers have made the right decision to reject it, keeping Cresswell away from the lure of Ibrox.

Michael Beale, of course, worked under Steven Gerrard at Ibrox and Villa before moving to QPR in the Championship – and then back to Rangers, as manager. He has an extensive knowledge of England’s second tier, and is utilising it.

Already, he has signed Todd Cantwell, Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland – all of whom have played in the second tier on a regular basis. According to FLW, Beale wanted to make 20-year-old Cresswell the fourth player on that list.

Cresswell starred for Millwall last season, playing 30 times and scoring five goals – before a fractured eye socket ended his season in April. But he impressed. It has seen Leeds decide to include him in this season’s senior plans.

A stark contrast to the club’s stance on Cresswell in January. A period in which he was struggling to start at The Den, Cresswell was linked with a £4m move to Middlesbrough. That did not materialise, he is back at Elland Road.

Leeds star Cresswell subject of Rangers bid; 49ers right to reject it

But his future does remain in doubt. Graham Smyth says there is a release clause in his Leeds deal, which ends in 12 months. Little surprise, Cresswell is attracting interest – including a potential Champions League side in Rangers.

However, Cresswell is seen as a future captain by some Leeds fans and after relegation, has the potential to become a key player at Leeds this season. By all means, the club have got to keep him – and hand him a new Leeds contract.

So, the 49ers deserve praise for rejecting the offer from Rangers. The only hope is that now, Cresswell is handed a new deal, and his future is put to bed. He can be the future of what has been a poor defence in recent seasons.