Middlesbrough now want Leeds United player in January, Michael Carrick wanted him in January

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Michael Carrick wants to raid Leeds United and sign Charlie Cresswell next month after initially eyeing a move for him back in January – with Cresswell struggling to get game time at Elland Road.

Cresswell, 21, has managed to be a part of the matchday squad just once in the last eight Championship games. He was not even called up, in the other seven. He’s started just once all season, in the league.

Back in January 2023, Cresswell was linked with Boro. The Sun reporting that Boro were eyeing a £4m move for the England U21 star, a part of the England side that won the U21 European Championships.

But, he he remained at Millwall on loan that month. Returning to Leeds in the summer, he even signed a new deal and was expected to play a major part in the 23-24 campaign. But, Leeds signed Joe Rodon.

With Pascal Struijk starring on the left of the defence and Liam Cooper first in reserve, Cresswell is now fourth choice. It sees him struggle to get into the squad. Middlesbrough could offer him a way out.

Michael Carrick wants to raid Leeds and sign Charlie Cresswell

The Sun’s Alan Nixon has reported on his Patreon channel that Middlesbrough are looking for a centre-back and Cresswell is a name on their list. Another is Nottingham Forest’s central defender Joe Worrall.

Nixon reports that Cresswell is enduring a ‘frustrating’ season. He is keen to go and play, but Leeds may be unwilling to help a promotion rival. A team that Leeds squeezed past on Saturday, winning 3-2.

However, Boro and Leeds clearly have some sort of relationship – with the two sides agreeing a loan deal for Sam Greenwood. The latter is on fire for Boro and Cresswell will surely be tempted to join him.