Joe Gelhardt to Rangers: New transfer twist today – sources
Rangers are among a number of clubs interested in signing Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt in January, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Philippe Clement’s side will face competition from Championship sides in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.
Gelhardt has featured just three times this season after falling down the pecking order at Elland Road, and is expected to become available when the transfer window opens.
Sources say Leeds could be open to his exit on loan as well as potential permanent offers and will weigh up their stance on his future in the coming weeks.
Football Insider revealed on 19 November that due to the financial situation at Ibrox, the club may be forced to explore potential loan deals in January.
However, his availability is set to put rival clubs on alert, which could complicate the Glasgow side’s ability to get a deal over the line.
Rangers in race to sign Leeds star Joe Gelhardt in January
Rangers’ interest in the Liverpool-born forward has been long-standing, having initially made enquiries into his availability during the summer transfer window.
Now, after playing just 72 minutes of football across all competitions this season, there is a growing expectation that Leeds will be open to offers.
The emergence of Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe as the priority forwards under Daniel Farke have forced Gelhardt out of the running to be the starting striker at Leeds.
However, he would be offered increased playing time at Ibrox thanks to ability to play through the middle as a striker and also as a number ten.
Gelhardt is also said to be keen on a move away from Leeds given his situation and would welcome the change to hold talks over an exit in January.
In other news, Rangers “looking at very clever loan signings” in January.
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