Sunderland's pursuit for defenders ahead of this upcoming campaign has been dealt a fresh blow, with Leeds United rejecting the League One club's approach for Charlie Cresswell, as reported by Today's People - and cited by journalist Ross Heppenstall. 

The 18-year-old, who captains Leeds' U23 side, made his first-team debut for the Premier League club last season in an EFL Cup clash with Hull City.

A second Heppenstall tweet regarding the matter states that Cresswell is currently the fifth choice centre-back, but the club want him to continue his development with the U23s and close to the first-team set up.

The young defender has also earned an international call-up for England U19s, making his debut and scoring in a game that was later abandoned due to a coach taking ill during the match.

The original tweet also says that there is Championship interest in the centre-back, but this is not set to change the club's mind about Cresswell's immediate future.

The verdict

Although a loan at the top end of League One or in the Championship could be highly beneficial for his first-team chances in the future, the club are deciding to keep him close to the first team, and that is a very promising sign for the young defender.

Cresswell is obviously a talent and very highly regarded at the Premier League club, and should a couple of injuries occur, he will likely be called up for action.

Sunderland have been dealt several blows in their pursuit of defenders in recent weeks, and with the season starting on Saturday, they will need to act fast.