Leeds United players have been identified as transfer targets due to the club’s difficult financial situation.

Middlesbrough are reportedly interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Charlie Cresswell and Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall.

Michael Carrick’s squad has been beset by injuries, and key defender Darragh Lenihan is unlikely to play again this season. Cresswell and Worrall are being considered as defensive reinforcements at the Riverside, according to The Sun on Sunday.

According to the report, Middlesbrough could try to arrange a loan deal to bolster their defensive ranks. Cresswell signed a long-term contract with Elland Road in the summer but has fallen far down the pecking order.

He has been kept out of the starting lineup by the defensive duo of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, as well as Daniel Farke’s faith in Liam Cooper.

Despite having few senior opportunities in West Yorkshire, he gained valuable Championship experience on loan at Millwall last season.

Worrall captained Forest in their first five Premier League games but has only appeared in one of their last nine league games.

He has spent his entire career on contract at the City Ground, though he has previously been loaned out twice.