Stoke City have been reportedly looking to strike a late deal for Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell – but it appears Stoke have turned their attention to a Manchester United man, and it might just save Leeds having to sell.
The Athletic reported on deadline day that Cresswell is a target for Stoke. The Potters are desperate to bring in a central defender. That is because their Australia international, Harry Souttar, is set to join Leicester City today.
Cresswell is currently on loan at Stoke’s League rivals Millwall but of late, he has struggled to start at The Den. There had been murmurs that Leeds were ready to cancel his loan in the Capital, and sell him on a permanent basis.
It is unclear what Cresswell’s stance was to leaving Elland Road permanently. But, it appears Leeds will at least keep Cresswell – and Millwall too, until the summer – with Stoke now eyeing a different defender. Mike McGrath reports it.
Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath has taken to Twitter to tell fans that Stoke are working on a deal to land Axel Tuanzebe from Manchester United. The 25-year-old is out of contract at United in the summer – and is available.
Manchester United man might just save Leeds having to sell Cresswell
Tuanzebe has failed to play for Manchester United since the arrival of boss Erik ten Hag. With his deal ending in the summer at Old Trafford, it is likely that a move will be engineered. Whether it is a loan, or a permanent, is unclear.
But what it does do, is sees Stoke replace the loss of Souttar. It also means that the need for Cresswell is no longer and Leeds can keep our academy product. It is now likely he stays at Millwall on loan until the end of the season.
