Southampton have joined Middlesbrough in the battle to sign Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell during the January transfer window, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The 21-year-old is currently out of favour at Elland Road and is often used as a substitute option under Daniel Farke, but the interest in his services is increasing as the days creep closer to the January transfer window.

Cresswell has made just six appearances in all competitions so far this season, which is much less than he managed with Millwall during his spell in the Championship during the previous campaign.

During his time at the Den, Cresswell made 30 appearances, scoring five goals and assisting another. He’s also made a handful of appearances for England’s U21s and is tipped for a very successful career.

Both Middlesbrough and Southampton are currently competing for the play-off places in the Championship and have targetted Cresswell in a bid to bolster their defensive options ahead of the second half of the season.

However, Cresswell hasn’t featured in a domestic match for Leeds United since early October and has played just two minutes of football since late August, suggesting he’s both out of favour and lacking match sharpness which could open the door for the defender to leave the football club in January.

Leeds United are currently third in the table, following their victory over Blackburn Rovers whilst Southampton sits fourth and Middlesbrough are 12th but are only three points outside of the play-off places in the Championship.

Writer’s View

Cresswell is an exciting, young defender who had an excellent spell at Millwall last season and has proven that he has the ability to compete in the Championship.

Southampton would give him the best shot at promotion but he is almost certain to get more game-time at Middlesbrough due to the lack of defensive competition in comparison to Russell Martin’s side.