Leeds United news: Pundit can't believe Joe Gelhardt may quit for rivals this summer - pundit
Alan Hutton has tipped Joe Gelhardt to remain at Leeds United this summer regardless of whether the club are relegated to the Championship.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland international insisted the 20-year-old needs to prioritise game time over staying in Premier League with another team.
As reported by the Telegraph (6 May), Gelhardt is one of several players rivals will look to poach should the Whites drop back into the Championship.
The young attacker has emerged as a regular among the first-team squad at Elland Road this season.
Hutton suggested Gelhardt could be one of Leeds' "main men" next season if they are relegated.
As such, he tipped the former Wigan starlet to remain at Elland Road regardless of what happens.
Hutton told Football Insider's Russell Edge: "Obviously teams will know a lot about him but I think right now, it's about playing games.
"If you move to a Crystal Palace or a Brentford or a Brighton, wherever, obviously it's good to stay within the Premier League, I get that, but you have to play games.
"If Leeds were to go down and drop down and he was to be one of the main men moving forward, he'd get that game time up.
"We know he's got the quality, we know he can play at the level of the Premier League. He's still very young, he's got a lot of time in his hands. There's no rush.
"So it's about maturing as a player and playing games to take you to the next level."
Gelhardt has played 21 times for Leeds' senior side this season, with two goals and four assists under his belt.
He has started four Premier League games so far.