Leeds only seem to have one club to worry about in the relegation battle after 17 games of the season.
Wolves have been cut adrift, sitting 16 points away from safety having accumulated just two points this term, while Burnley are seven points off 17th and look likely to go straight back down.
It means West Ham are the likeliest to drag Leeds back into trouble – the Hammers are just six points behind Leeds in 18th place – but the east Londoners could be about to help the 49ers strengthen.
West Ham could ensure Leeds United make millions this winter amid Charlie Cresswell talks
The Athletic now state that West Ham view Charlie Cresswell as a priority target in the January transfer window, and are in talks to bring the Leeds academy graduate back to England.
Did Leeds United make a mistake by letting Charlie Cresswell leave? 🤔
“I was there since I was 11. I wanted to live that dream. I wanted to play for Leeds. I wanted to be part of that journey, but these things happen in football.
“You don’t always get your way and your path’s meant to go in a different direction, but it’s turned out well. I couldn’t be happier.”
Charlie Cresswell on leaving Leeds – The Athletic, 2025
Daniel Farke sold Cresswell to Toulouse for just £3.8m in July 2024, but Leeds crucially inserted a 15% sell-on clause into the arrangement.
The Athletic believe Toulouse value the central defender at a sum of €25m (£22m) – meaning Leeds could be set to make around £3.3m if a deal were to materialise.
So, how would that keep Leeds up? Well, the 49ers have PSR to worry about this winter having spent around £100m in the summer. After Robbie Evans claimed Leeds had spent all they could, the club risk breaching financial rules if they spend in January without making sales.
Should Leeds follow Nottingham Forest’s path and risk a points deduction? 💸
“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position
However, this potential windfall from the Cresswell deal would improve the financial situation for Leeds with an unexpected £3.3m possibly heading to Elland Road, which could be used to make a loan signing or two for Farke.
The Athletic have already claimed loan deals are likeliest for Leeds this summer due to PSR – so £3.3m could actually go a long way in terms of paying half a target’s salary or a loan fee.
£3.3m sum could be used to lure Raheem Sterling to Leeds United
Raheem Sterling is being considered by Leeds ahead of the winter transfer window opening on 1st January, with Chelsea ready to loan the England international out.
The man from Kingston has been banished by Enzo Maresca, and is yet to play a single second of football this season.
Should Leeds sign Raheem Sterling? 🤔
He hasn't played in the Premier League since MAY… 😬
A permanent move feels unlikely considering Chelsea spent £50m on the attacker, but a loan deal is certainly possible, and that potential £3.3m cash injection would be a massive help in terms of paying a portion of his £325,000-a-week wages.
A player like Sterling has both the ability and the experience to be a significant help in the relegation battle, especially as he can play as both a striker and a wing-back in the 3-5-2 formation.
Therefore, West Ham may inadvertently end up helping Leeds survive by sealing a £22m deal for Cresswell this winter.
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