‘Would fit in’… Pundit says £4m Leeds man needs to be pushing for exit, told to join Southampton

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Charlie Cresswell has emerged as a January target for Southampton as he struggles for game time at Leeds United this term, and Carlton Palmer believes he would be a “good fit” on the south coast.

Cresswell, 21, returned to Leeds in the summer after a superb loan at Millwall. He was expected to be first choice, but Daniel Farke chose to bring in Joe Rodon. He’s started just one Championship match.

Only four League appearances in total, making the bench once in Leeds’ last 10 games. Despite this, The Athletic report that Farke has told Cresswell he is going nowhere in January, and will stay at Leeds.

It comes after a report from Alan Nixon said that Southampton – and Middlesbrough – are interested in signing Cresswell on loan in January. Back in January 2022, The Sun said he was a £4m target for Boro.

So, Farke wants to keep him, but clubs want him on loan. It is unclear what Cresswell will want, but you would imagine he is keen. Former Leeds man Palmer spoke to Football League World, about Cresswell.

“Leeds are clear on their stance. They won’t loan out Cresswell in January as they look to get promoted, certainly not to a promotion rival. He’d fit in at Southampton. Very comfortable on the ball,” Palmer said.

“Very accomplished defender. Would Leeds sell him? Depends on the offer. The player is obviously looking for game-time and will be pushing for a loan at least, or even a permanent move in January.”

Carlton Palmer says Charlie Cresswell a good fit for Southampton

He does need a move. Yes, in an ideal world, Farke would be able to keep all of his players and have them all to pick from, and they all remain happy. But that is simply not going to be the case, at any club.

Cresswell will know that he needs regular football to further his development. At Leeds, he is simply not getting that. Would a move to Southampton give him that? Perhaps, no. Middlesbrough, maybe more so.

But there seems to be some convincing that needs to be done on Farke’s behalf. Maybe, a reminder that Luke Ayling, Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev can all cover Cresswell, if it comes to that in the near future.