Everton to prepare Charlie Cresswell offer as officials sent with key transfer promise
Everton could be about to make an offer for Charlie Cresswell in the January transfer window.
The centre-back was one of the stars of England U21s' victorious European Championship campaign in the summer, and as a result, a Premier League move has become a constant topic of discussion.
Everton are among those interested in Cresswell, with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle and West Ham also keen on the defender.
Jarrad Branthwaite's injury issues have provided problems for David Moyes at the heart of the defence, and as such, a January addition to the backline appears to be a key priority.
Everton watched Charlie Cresswell twice in October
Everton have been interested in Cresswell for several weeks, and it is now clear that they have taken that to the next level of late.
The Toulouse centre-back has played in every single minute of the Ligue 1 campaign so far, and the Toffees have had officials present at two of his most recent fixtures.
- Cresswell has three goals from 11 games in Ligue 1 so far this term
- He played in every single minute of England's Euro U21 triumph in the summer
- He made his Premier League debut for Leeds back in September 2021
The Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit had a presence at two of Cresswell's games in October, as they took in his team's 4-0 win over Metz, as well as the 2-2 draw with Rennes at the end of the month, according to Jeunes Footeux.
A "big offer" is expected for the 23-year-old in January, and that could well come from Everton, who are prepared to promise him an immediate spot in the starting XI in order to convince him to complete the switch.
However, it is understood that Toulouse would no longer accept an offer below the £26.4million mark for their star, despite the previous suggestion that a cut-price deal could be on the cards this winter.
Charlie Cresswell is ideal long-term partner for Jarrad Branthwaite
Branthwaite's injury struggles have continued at Everton in recent months, and the absence of their strongest centre-half has left the Merseysiders desperately lacking depth at the back.
An addition is certainly needed in January, and Cresswell would be the perfect option to join Moyes' group for the second half of the season.
The former Leeds United academy starlet has played alongside Branthwaite for England's U21s in the past, and he would be the ideal long-term partner for the injured star.
Throw in the fact that he has also shared a dressing room with James Garner in the past, and it is surely a no-brainer for Everton to try and bring Cresswell into the club.
His valuation may have seemingly increased of late, but it would still be a sensible investment for a player who still has his whole career ahead of him.
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