Leeds United are now keen on signing an experienced Premier League player who is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer, reporter Alan Nixon has revealed.
Leeds looking to sign players with top flight experience
After leading Leeds to Championship glory, Daniel Farke will be extremely pleased to have achieved his third promotion from the second tier, but his previous experiences in the top flight could make him cautious heading into the new campaign.
Both times Farke took Norwich to the Premier League, the Canaries were ultimately relegated, which could be why the Whites have reportedly considered sacking the German, despite him reaching the 100-point mark this season.
It looks as though the Championship title-winners are set to persist with their manager, but there will be an awareness that he needs backing in the summer transfer window, with bringing in players with proven Premier League experience clearly a priority.
Leeds have identified a number of targets in both central midfield and attack, most of whom are out of contract after playing in the top flight for a number of years.
Another free agent has now entered the frame as a potential target for Farke’s side, with Nixon revealing they have set their sights on West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell, who is poised to leave the Hammers when his contract expires in the summer.
Cresswell is now 35-years-old, which may be why he is viewed as a potential addition as a squad player for the Whites, rather than being a regular starter, and there us set to be competition for his signature from newly-promoted Championship side Wrexham.
“Brilliant” Cresswell is proven in the top flight
The Liverpool-born left-back is a stalwart of the Premier League, having made 312 appearances in the competition during his time with the Irons, and his experience could be of great use to a Leeds side whose immediate aim will be to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
It has now been confirmed that West Ham will not offer the former 3-cap England international a new deal, but he recently received a ringing endorsement from Graham Potter, who described the full-back as a “brilliant” professional on and off the pitch.
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As such, while the Premier League veteran would not be the most exciting of signings, his know-how could be invaluable for Farke next season, while he has also displayed a keen eye for goal in matches against Leeds in the past.
Indeed, while Cresswell is more well-known for his defensive capabilities, he has maintained a solid goal record in matches against the Whites in the past, finding the back of the net four times in 12 appearances.
