“Statement of intent” – Coventry City plotting move for Leeds United defender: The verdict | OneFootball

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘The Verdict‘ series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Coventry City are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Sky Blues have made an approach for Cresswell, who is currently on loan with fellow Championship side Millwall.

The 20-year-old has scored four goals and registered one assist in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Lions this season, but his minutes have become more infrequent in recent weeks, leading to speculation over his future.

Leeds could be willing to sell Cresswell should they receive a suitable offer, but his future may not be resolved until the summer.

We asked some of our FLW writers for their thoughts on a potential move to the Coventry Building Society Arena.

James Reeves

Cresswell would be an excellent signing for Coventry.

The Sky Blues will be in need of defensive reinforcements in the summer, particularly with Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle and Luke McNally all at the club on loan, so Cresswell would represent a sensible long-term investment for the club.

He has proven himself to be a more than capable performer at Championship level for the Lions this campaign and still only 20, he has plenty more room for development, while he would be working under a manager in Mark Robins who has a track record of improving young players.

Leeds may command a significant fee for Cresswell’s services, but it would be worth it for a player of his potential and he could become a key part of the Sky Blues defence for years to come.

With his minutes limited at The Den and his future at Elland Road looking uncertain, this could be the perfect move for all parties.

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Simmey Hannifin-Donaldson

I think this certainly makes sense as one for the summer as it is being reported.

If new Sky Blues owner Doug King does have some cash to splash, centre-back would be a wise area to spend it.

It’s an area the club have relied on loanees a lot recently, with Clarke-Salter last season and Callum Doyle and Jonathan Panzo set to return to their parent clubs at the end of this campaign.

Creswell is a talented young defender in his own right and if seeking a permanent move away from Leeds for more first team action, a switch to the CBS Arena and the Sky Blues could certainly make sense.

Toby Wilding

This could be a very good signing for Coventry if they can manage to pull it off either now or in the summer.

With Michael Rose and Kyle McFadzean out of contract in the summer as things stand, and Jonathan Panzo, Callum Doyle and Luke McNally only on loan until the end of this season, there will be a big need for central defensive reinforcements at the CBS Arena come the next transfer window.

Bringing Cresswell in would certainly help them to address that issue, with a player who has already shown he has the ability to make an impact now, while providing a long term option for the future.

Given the level of interest there is likely to be in the centre back, it would be a welcome statement of intent for the club’s new owners if they do bring him to Coventry, meaning this does look well worth pursuing for the Sky Blues.