Sunderland are plotting a move for Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell this month, according to recent reports.

The Lowdown: Offers being prepared

The Whites centre-back joined Championship club Millwall on a season-long loan last summer, but having failed to make a significant impact, he is about to have his spell at The Den terminated.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay recently broke that news, alongside claims that there are several temporary and permanent offers being prepared for the 20-year-old, with the Black Cats now having been name-checked.

The Latest: Sunderland eyeing Cresswell

According to Leeds All Over, Sunderland are ‘one’ of the clubs ‘interested’ in landing Cresswell this month, having missed out on him in 2022.

Tony Mowbray might have replaced Alex Neil at the helm since the last transfer window, but the Black Cats' admiration for the youngster ‘hasn’t disappeared’.

The Wearside outfit are also believed to be considering a move for Cresswell’s Elland Road team-mate Joe Gelhardt on loan.

The Verdict: Worth another attempt

Cresswell has been hailed as a ‘powerful’ player by Josh Bunting, and if his recent form is anything to go by, Sunderland should definitely make another attempt to land him.

The Preston-born talent has clocked up five goal contributions in 13 starts this term and is currently winning a remarkable 4.8 aerial duels per league game, standing at 6 foot 3 in height (WhoScored).

The Black Cats are just one point outside the top six after a strong first half of the campaign, but the potential arrival of Cresswell would only help to tighten up the defence even more.