Liverpool to ‘table’ £26m bid for key West Ham target as Aston Villa plot shock swap deal

As the January transfer window slams shut and clubs begin plotting their summer strategies, Liverpool have emerged as serious contenders in the race for a promising young defender who was once West Ham United’s top defensive target. According to multiple reports, the Premier League champions are preparing to table a substantial £26 million bid for the player, a move that could reshape their backline for years to come.

The Reds, under Arne Slot, have been linked with several centre-backs in recent months as they look to add depth and long-term security to a defence that has shown occasional vulnerabilities this season. With Virgil van Dijk entering the latter stages of his career and questions lingering over the futures of some squad members, Liverpool’s recruitment team appears focused on identifying high-potential English talent capable of immediate impact and future resale value.

This latest interest centres on a 23-year-old who has been turning heads in Ligue 1 after a relatively low key departure from the Premier League a couple of years ago. The player in question was a standout in England’s Under-21 European Championship winning squad and has since developed into one of the most reliable performers in French football, blending physical dominance with surprising goal threat from set-pieces.

That player is Charlie Cresswell.

The former Leeds United academy graduate, who was allowed to leave Elland Road for just £4 million when he joined Toulouse in 2024, has undergone a remarkable transformation across the Channel. Standing at 6ft 3in, Cresswell has started every one of Toulouse’s Ligue 1 matches this season, racking up over 1,800 minutes. His statistics are eye-catching for a centre-back: three goals and one assist in 21 appearances, along with a string of commanding defensive displays that have earned him consistent ratings above 7.0 from leading analytics platforms.

Cresswell’s aerial prowess, leadership qualities, and ability to step into midfield have made him a fan favourite in Toulouse, where he has formed a formidable partnership at the heart of the defence. His form has not gone unnoticed back home. West Ham United were understood to have made him their primary centre-back target during the January window, viewing him as the ideal profile to bolster their backline amid injury concerns and inconsistent performances. However, the Hammers ultimately pivoted to a loan deal for Chelsea’s Axel Disasi, leaving the door open for other suitors.

Now, Liverpool are poised to pounce. Reports from sources like Sports Boom and TEAMtalk suggest the Anfield hierarchy are ready to table a bid in excess of €30 million (£26m), a figure that could tempt Toulouse to part ways with their star defender this summer. While the French club are reportedly reluctant to sell, Cresswell’s contract runs until 2028, and a significant offer combined with the player’s likely desire for a return to the Premier League could sway negotiations.

For Liverpool, the appeal is clear. Cresswell represents the perfect blend of youth, nationality (qualifying as homegrown), and upside. At 23, he fits Slot’s preference for technically proficient, ball-playing defenders who can contribute in possession. His set-piece threat would add another dimension to Liverpool’s attack, while his no-nonsense defending would provide competition and cover for the likes of Ibrahima Konaté and Jarell Quansah.

Of course, competition is fierce. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Crystal Palace have all been credited with interest, while even clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Wolfsburg have been mentioned in European circles. West Ham’s lingering admiration could also resurface if their defensive issues persist. But Liverpool’s status as reigning champions and their track record of developing young English players give them a distinct edge.

Meanwhile, in the Midlands, Aston Villa are cooking up a transfer plot of their own that could send shockwaves through the market.

According to Italian media outlets cited by Sport Witness, Unai Emery’s side are considering using left-back Ian Maatsen as “transfer bait” in a potential swap deal to secure the permanent signing of midfielder Douglas Luiz from Juventus.

Villa currently hold an option to buy Luiz for around €25 million (£21.7m) following his loan move to Villa Park this season. The Brazilian has impressed in his second spell at the club, but the financial outlay remains a consideration. Enter Maatsen: the Dutch full-back, who joined from Chelsea last summer, has featured regularly but is not seen as indispensable by Emery.

Juventus, meanwhile, are expected to lose Andrea Cambiaso in the summer and have identified Maatsen as a strong candidate to replace him. With valuations for both players reportedly similar, a straight swap could suit all parties allowing Villa to bring in Luiz permanently without a hefty cash payment and giving Juventus a ready-made left-back option.

This kind of creative deal making highlights the increasingly sophisticated nature of modern transfers, where clubs leverage assets to balance books and strengthen squads. For Villa, retaining Luiz would be a major coup, bolstering their midfield as they push for European qualification. For Maatsen, a move to Turin could offer a fresh start in a top European league.

As the summer window approaches, these stories underscore the Premier League’s enduring pull on talent across Europe. Liverpool’s pursuit of Cresswell could signal the start of a busy period at Anfield, while Villa’s swap ambitions show that even mid-table giants are unafraid to think outside the box.

Whether these deals materialise remains to be seen transfer rumours are notoriously fluid but one thing is certain: the 2026 summer market is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years. Fans of all involved clubs will be watching developments closely.