The Potters and Cresswell have been connected, but Andrew Omobamidele of Forest would be a perfect substitute.
At the halfway point of the season, the Potters are in 19th place in the Championship going into this weekend. They run the risk of getting dragged into a relegation battle with Sheffield Wednesday, who are in 22nd place and are improving under new manager Danny Rohl.
Defensive reinforcements might be required to ensure they avoid a suspenseful season finale. Only four natural center backs play for the Staffordshire team; one of them is Ciaran Clark, 34, who joined as a free agent in October of last year.
The Potters’ defense may be overextended due to a few injuries, therefore now, during the January transfer window, could be the best moment to strengthen their back line.
If Stoke City is unable to recruit Charlie Cresswell from Leeds United, they may go to Andrew Omobamidele.
The connection between Stoke and Cresswell is not new; on transfer deadline day in January of last year, the team investigated the possibility of a move while the defender was on loan at Millwall.
Although the agreement did not proceed further at the time, the fact that the team is still actively considering the possibility of bringing the 21-year-old to Bet365 Stadium indicates that they are aware of his abilities and how he might fit in with the team.
The youthful defender signed a new four-year contract at Elland Road last summer, but he has since expressed his displeasure with Leeds’ dearth of first-team playing time, raising the possibility of his leaving the Yorkshire club.
This year, he has only made six appearances for Leeds in all competitions.
The Cresswell fee can be a problem
The Whites are in no rush to offload the young player, who has a new long-term contract. As a result, the Yorkshire Evening Post has reported that the club will demand his full market worth in any permanent move, which is estimated to be between £4-5 million.
Many Championship teams, including Stoke, may find that amount too much, which has prompted talks about a loan agreement with teams like Blackburn Rovers.
Clubs are expected to be very interested in the gifted athlete because he has expressed his unhappiness. This and his exorbitant price tag might make the Potters search elsewhere.
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