Joe Gelhardt: Hull City told Leeds United will accept discounted offer - 'They want to sell'

Joe Gelhardt will be allowed to leave Leeds United in the summer transfer window as Hull City set their sights on a permanent move.

After the 24-year-old spent the last 18 months on loan at the MKM Stadium, a return to Leeds is considered highly unlikely, and they will now look to cash in.

The forward enjoyed a strong season at Hull and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League, with the Tigers now hopeful of pulling off a permanent deal.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Leeds could let Gelhardt leave for a low fee as he no longer has a part to play under Daniel Farke.

While any price tag involved will have to work for both clubs, there is a feeling Leeds are equally keen to do a deal, and negotiations shouldn't be a problem.

Will Joe Gelhardt return to Hull City next season?

Brown told Football Insider in April that Leeds are prepared to let Gelhardt leave, with Hull keen on a permanent deal, although they could face rival interest.

Since then, the Tigers' have been handed a boost both financially and in their ambitions of tempting him to stay, after they won promotion to the Premier League.

With Leeds seemingly open to a deal as Farke looks to cash in and reinvest the money elsewhere, confidence is growing that the striker could remain at Hull.

"Hull are very keen to keep Joe Gehlardt at the club," Brown told Football Insider.

"It's difficult when you're in their position and you win promotion to the Premier League when maybe you weren't necessarily expecting that just yet.

"The squad is weaker than maybe anybody else's at this level, but you also have the problem of what markets you're going to be able to shop in.

"You're competing with other, more established Premier League clubs now, which means clubs with more money and more reasons to attract players.

"So when somebody like Gelhardt, who has spent a good period at the club, is available, they have to make sure they can get a deal done.

"From what I'm told, he's not going to be part of Leeds plans and they want to sell, so that could mean Hull can get it done at a reasonable price which will be a boost.

"They're not going to have the money that other Premier League clubs do, so if they can do a discounted deal, they have to look at it.

"For Leeds, they want to improve their squad in other areas, so if they can move Gelhardt on quickly it could give them the money to invest elsewhere in their side."

Which other clubs are interested in signing Gelhardt?

Despite the growing confidence that Hull can agree a deal for Gelhardt, they are not expected to be alone in their putsuit of the Leeds forward.

Clubs across the EFL and in Scotland have been keeping tabs on his progress, with Rangers also among his long-term admirers as they aim to bolster their squad.

Football Insider shared reports in April that Rangers scouts have been watching Gelhardt and have been impressed by what they have seen.

Danny Rohl is determined to strengthen his side after finishing third in the Premiership, with the addition of new forwards high on the club's list of targets.

However, one saving grace for Hull may be that the Ibrox club have completed the signing of Lawrence Shankland and would require sales to land another forward.