Leeds United could end up with a timely cash windfall after Toulouse sporting director Viktor Bezhani refused to rule out the sale of former player Charlie Cresswell this summer.
Cresswell’s move to the French club last year included a 15 per cent share of any profit the Ligue 1 outfit gain on the defender. The 22-year-old has been linked with several potential suitors this window, including Sunderland, Roma and - more loosely - Liverpool.
The centre-back was sold by Leeds for a fee thought to be around £3.8million, so the club are entitled to 15 per cent of whatever the total is above that. And Toulouse sporting chief Bezhani has left the door open for Cresswell’s exit while discussing possible player departures this week.
“We are delighted with the many players' interests," he told L’Equipe. “It shows that we are doing things well and that the rest of Europe is watching us. It's no secret, if the right offer comes in, we'll take a look at it.
“At the same time, we must also not forget that the season is going to be very tough, we must show ourselves very strong. The main priority is to strengthen the squad as much as possible.”
The potential cash windfall would be a timely boost for Leeds and a win for the 49ers regarding future-proof planning, especially amid tight spending loss limits this cycle - capped at £61m over three years compared to the £105m of non-promoted Premier League clubs.
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United have only sold one player so far - Rasmus Kristensen to Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial sum of around £5m within a potential £7.7m package. The club are understood to have received a small fee for the loan of Max Wober to Werder Bremen, whose deal contains an option to buy.
Meanwhile, Sam Greenwood is heading for the Elland Road exit door. He is in talks with one interested party over a permanent move, with just one year left on his Leeds contract.
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