Sunderland now want to sign player sold by Daniel Farke for more than double Leeds United received

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If Leeds United finish above Burnley, Sunderland and one current Premier League club next season then it will be job done. Leeds will have survived, as long as they are better than three other teams.

The last two Premier League seasons have seen all three promoted clubs relegated. Alan Shearer thinks Leeds can buck that trend, but the gap between the Championship and the Premier League is widening.

Leeds have got to be smart in the transfer window. Spend their cash wisely on players that will have a real impact and help Leeds survive, consolidate and then have the ability to build and cement their place.

But one Thorp Arch academy graduate could soon be fighting against them. Sunderland want to sign a player that Daniel Farke has sold during his time as boss, for more than double the fee Leeds received.

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Sunderland eye move for Leeds product Charlie Cresswell

Charlie Cresswell left Leeds last summer for a £3.8m move to Ligue 1 side Toulouse, after falling out with Farke over a lack of game time. Following relegation, Cresswell was expected to become a key player.

Especially after an excellent loan at Millwall in 2022-23. But he managed just seven appearances for Leeds in 2023-24 and Toulouse struck to lure him away from his boyhood club, and to France’s top tier.

Cresswell has been excellent in France in a mid-table Toulouse side, scoring four goals in 34 games after his move. That form has not gone unnoticed, with Cresswell even scoring at the U21 Euros this summer.

French outlet Jeunes Footeux report that Sunderland – having been promoted via the play-offs under French manager Regis Le Bris – want to sign Cresswell. The report says a fee will be north of £8.5m.

Leeds United have made a mistake in selling Charlie Cresswell

If his form for Toulouse wasn’t obvious in telling Leeds should have given Cresswell more of a chance, then the fact Sunderland want to pin their hopes of survival on Cresswell should make it near fact.

Cresswell is excellent. He teems old-school, old-fashioned physicality and aerial prowess with modern ball-playing centre-back skills. Experienced at such a young age, finally given the platform to shine.

If Farke and Leeds had given him a chance, then perhaps The Whites may not a new centre-back with Jaka Bijol set to arrive. But now, Cresswell could be hoping to pip Leeds to survival if he joins Sunderland.