Leeds United's fresh hope of January boost with Charlie Cresswell a 'top target' for West Ham
Leeds United could be given a January transfer window boost by their Premier League rivals West Ham United.
There has been a resurgence at Elland Road of late but the Whites are still very much battling for their Premier League status.
Also in the fight are West Ham, who have endured a dismal season to date and drawn the ire of their disgruntled supporters.
Both clubs will view the upcoming window as crucial and it appears the Hammers could hand a boost to one of their rivals.
West Ham eye defender
According to The Athletic, West Ham still view ex-Whites defender Charlie Cresswell as a top transfer target after failing to land him in the summer.
The London club are believed to have been in regular contact with the Toulouse star’s representatives.
It has previously been indicated Leeds negotiated a sell-on clause when Cresswell was allowed to join Toulouse in the summer of 2024.
Sell-on clauses entitle the selling club to a portion of the next transfer fee pocketed for the player in question.
West Ham would have to stump up a significant fee to prise Cresswell from Ligue 1, where he has gone from strength to strength.
The paying of a hefty fee could provide a welcome boost to the Leeds coffers, potentially putting the Whites on a stronger footing in their own transfer window dealings.
Charlie Cresswell’s path to Toulouse
Cresswell was widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects at Elland Road when he made his transition from the academy into the senior set-up.
A commanding centre-back, the 23-year-old impressed on his Premier League debut, which coincidentally came against West Ham.
He spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Millwall and developed swiftly, yet Whites boss Daniel Farke was hesitant to use the defender upon his return from the capital.
Having barely featured under Farke during the following campaign, Cresswell was sold to Toulouse for a fee reported to be in the region of £3.8m.
The former England Under-21s star has since amassed 50 appearances in France, scoring seven goals.