Talk continues to surround Leeds United’s young centre-half Charlie Cresswell, who appears to be out of favour at Elland Road.
The 21-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs, with Middlesbrough reportedly one of the main protagonists.
Michael Carrick, despite being relatively inexperienced as a manager/Head Coach, is developing a real reputation for nurturing burgeoning talent and has made no secret of the enjoyment he gets from working with young, ambitious players. Cresswell certainly falls into that category and if reports via respected Journalist Alan Nixon are to be believed, Boro could make a loan move for the England Under-21 man.
Hopes of landing Prem target fade
Boro were also said to be interested in Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall, but the 26-year-old, who also plays at centre-back has just been invited back into the fold by new boss Nuno Espirito Santo. Worrall came on as a substitute in the 3-1 Boxing Day win against Newcastle United and was again on the bench for the 2-1 victory over Manchester United.
He had endured an enforced hiatus from first team activity after a perceived fallout with former manager Steve Cooper. Both he, and Scott McKenna had seemingly been banished from training with the first team squad, but both situations could now change with a fresh outlook on proceedings.
Boro could explore permanent deal
It means that Michael Carrick and his recruitment team are likely to make Cresswell their primary target, certainly in terms of a potential centre-back signing. Although the deal is believed to be based on a loan basis, Cresswell could be seen as a permanent option, with the deal structured in the same way as Sam Greenwood’s. Middlesbrough have the option to trigger a permanent deal for Greenwood with a £1.3 buy clause.
One of the most credible reasons for the Teesside club’s interest in Cresswell, is the absence of experienced defender Darragh Lenihan, who is out for the season with injury. But if Middlesbrough are to broker a deal for Cresswell, it could indicate that they will listen for offers for Paddy McNair, whose contract expires this coming summer. There was interest in McNair during the previous transfer window and January will surely be a month that dictates-on both sides-where his future lays. Once McNair and Lenihan return from injury, Boro would have five centre-backs. The odds are that the addition of Cresswell, if permanent, would see one move on.
The report suggests that Middlesbrough are not alone in their admiration for the defender who has been overlooked by Leeds supremo Daniel Farke. Blackburn Rovers and high-flying Ipswich Town are also said to be keen on a deal.