Man United Lead Race for £30m Ex-Leeds Star as Brighton, West Ham & Palace Circle

BACK Dylan Oakley Apr 15th 2026 Man United are targeting one of Leeds United’s former players for a summer transfer move. Michael Carrick will be delighted with his squad of late, as they are up to third in the Premier League, and in a strong position to secure Champions League football next year under the interim boss. Several players have stepped up in recent weeks, including centre-back Harry Maguire, who has really impressed and come back into the picture for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup in the summer. Maguire’s contract was recently extended to keep him at Old Trafford for at least one more year. But, seeing as he is now 33, Man United will need to figure out how to replace him. Man United target ex-Leeds star One name who has emerged recently to replace Harry Maguire, is Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell, who has impressed in Ligue 1 ever since he left Leeds United in 2024 in search of more game time. According to TeamTalk, Man United are leading the race for the 23-year-old, and could make a £30m move for him in the summer. It is understood that West Ham, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all keen on Cresswell too, but as things stand, his most likely destination is Old Trafford. Furthermore, Cresswell was born in Preston, so Manchester would be somewhat of a homecoming for the English defender. This season, he has made 26 appearances for Toulouse, scoring four goals and three assists. He can play as either a left or right-sided centre-back, and suits a back four, much like the system that Tuchel plays. Cresswell made the bold move to leave Leeds in 2024, as he wasn’t getting regular football in the Championship under Daniel Farke. He could now go to rivals Man United and show Leeds United exactly what they are missing. Click here to see Man United’s latest injury news.