Phil Hay has told The Square Ball podcast that he sees Charlie Cresswell asking to leave Leeds United if he stays in the pecking order – after he was left out of the squad against Hull.
Cresswell, 21, returned to Leeds in the summer after an excellent loan spell at Millwall and was part of the England U21 squad that won the European Championship. But he struggled to make his mark at Leeds.
With just one Championship start in seven games, Cresswell was forced to watch from the bench. He started both games in the Carabao Cup – Leeds losing to Salford on penalties.
It comes after Cresswell signed a new deal at Leeds, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with his boyhood club. But he was left out of the team that drew 0-0 with Hull on Wednesday night.
Birmingham City – Leeds United
Middlesbrough were eyeing a £4million move and Hay said there was still interest in the defender. He says he could leave Leeds if he continues to struggle for game time.
MORE DELIVERY FROM LEEDS
“It was remarkable that Cresswell was out of the team. There was a lot of interest in him. When he’s not knocking on the door or the team, you can’t help but feel he’s going to look away.
“I don’t know how many games you think he will play, but with Rodon, Struijk and Cooper – he is England U21 after all, he seems to be in the pecking order, which is not ideal for him.”
Phil Hay sees Charlie Cresswell asked to leave Leeds
Salford City v Leeds United – Carabao Cup Second Round.
But you can imagine Cooper will come alongside Struijk on Saturday – and Cresswell returns to the bench. There may be a reason for Cresswell’s neglect – which can be discussed today.
