Sources: Hull City register interest in Joe Gelhardt amid Birmingham City talks
Hull City have registered interest in signing former loan star Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United, sources have told Football Insider.
The Tigers have the money to sign the 24-year-old attacking midfielder permanently after their promotion to the Premier League.
The forward was fundamental to Hull’s return to the English top-flight last season as he scored 14 Championship goals and picked up four assists throughout the campaign.
However, this form has also picked up interest elsewhere, with Football Insider exclusively revealing that Birmingham City have entered preliminary talks to sign Gelhardt.
The Blues are pursuing a loan move, with the option to buy the attacker on a permanent deal if they are promoted to the Premier League this season.
As a result, Hull City could now face a potential battle to secure the return of their former loan star in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Can Joe Gelhardt keep Hull City in the Premier League this season?
Hull City’s task this season is no doubt to maintain their status as a Premier League club.
This is a daunting task for the Tigers, with the club already being the favourites to be relegated this campaign.
This is not helped by the club’s poor transfer activity to date, with only five first-team players coming through the door, two of whom are goalkeepers.
However, if they are able to bring back Gelhardt, it would be a massive boost for Hull’s survival hopes.
According to Fotmob on 5 August, last season the attacker averaged 0.45 goals, a 0.36 xG, 2.55 shots, 1.18 shots on target, 0.13 assists, a 0.13 xA and 1.08 chances created per 90 minutes in the Championship.
Therefore, if this form can continue, it would no doubt earn the club several vital points across the season in the battle for survival.
Who else are Hull looking to sign this summer?
Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Crystal Palace midfielder David Ozoh has attracted interest from Hull City this summer.
The Tigers are seeking a permanent transfer of the 21-year-old and are preparing a bid to test the Eagles’ resolve.
However, the club faces competition for his signature from Derby County, FC Koln and Marseille.
Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the Eagles are prepared to accept offers after sources say he has impressed new manager Pierre Sage during their pre-season preparations.