Leeds United are reportedly willing to cash in on a defender this summer as the club look to rake in some cash, but Carlton Palmer has admitted it has left him a bit “surprised”.
The Whites need to offload a few players in the coming weeks and months in order to balance the books after missing out on promotion to the Premier League, and with a big credit card bill hanging over them.
The likes of Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, Archie Gray, Ilia Gruev and plenty of other key players are attracting interest as we edge closer to the summer window, which promises to be incredibly busy.
Another player that finds himself among the list of players that The Whites could sell is Charlie Cresswell. The defender only managed seven outings for Daniel Farke’s side last season despite his Millwall loan.
Reports state that Cresswell is attracting interest from both Germany and France ahead of the summer, with a fee of just £3m required to land the England U21 man. Now, Palmer has commented on the links.
Carlton Palmer admits surprise over Charlie Cresswell reports
Cresswell endured a poor season at Leeds, having returned from Millwall and probably expected to be a whole lot more involved. Especially after signing a new deal at Elland Road before the start of the season.
A new report from Germany emerged on Tuesday that stated Hannover had held talks with Cresswell but have pulled out of a move to land the centre-back. Toulouse and Hertha Berlin have also been linked.
Former Leeds midfielder Palmer was asked by Football League World about the reports linking Cresswell with the exit door at Elland Road, and he said he is surprised Leeds are ready to cash in this summer.
“I’m a little bit surprised, but I’m a big advocate of Daniel Farke. He knows what he’s doing. They must feel what they’ve got is adequate. I’m a little surprised they will listen to offers and let him go,” He said.
“But from his point of view, he wants to play. Maybe it’s a conversation between him and the club that it’s better for him to move on. I’m sure Leeds will ask for a buyback clause and a sell-on fee when he leaves.”
Leeds willingness to let Cresswell suggests new signings
If Leeds are going to let Cresswell go, then The Whites are down to the bare bones in the middle of the defence. Joe Rodon’s loan has come to an end, the chances of him returning seem slimmer by the day.
Liam Cooper is out of contract but is in talks over a new deal at Elland Road. However, the skipper is yet to sign and he will know he is only going to play a bit-part role at Leeds under Daniel Farke if he stays.
That leaves just Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu, as well as youngsters Kris Moore and Diogo Monteiro who were firmly with the Under-21’s last season. New signings then, have got to be a priority there.