Hull City’s on-loan Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt is reportedly being monitored by Scottish giants Rangers.
Gelhardt, who turns 24 next month, was once considered to be the most exciting young prospect on Leeds’ books.
He turned heads with explosive cameos in the Premier League but failed to develop into a first-team regular.
Opportunities proved particularly limited following the arrival of Daniel Farke as manager in 2023.
However, the versatile attacker has been rejuvenated out on loan at Hull in the Championship. He ended last term with the Tigers and since returning in the summer as a part of a season-long loan arrangement, Gelhardt has notched 13 goals in 35 appearances.
Joe Gelhardt has dazzled in the Championship this season, scoring 13 goals for Hull City.placeholder image
Joe Gelhardt has dazzled in the Championship this season, scoring 13 goals for Hull City. | Cody Froggatt/PA Wire
Rangers linked with Leeds United man
According to reporter Alan Nixon via his Patreon page, the former England youth international is being watched by Rangers.
Leeds and Rangers are both owned by 49ers Enterprises, which could give the Gers a significant advantage in the battle for his services that looks set to play out.
It has been suggested the terms of another move to Hull could be different next season and that it may be tough for the Tigers to arrange if they remain in the Championship.
Joe Gelhardt’s stance on Hull City future
However, Hull could potentially benefit from the affection Gelhardt has developed for the club. Last week, the Wigan Athletic academy graduate told Hull Live he would be open to staying put.
When asked if would sign a Hull contract now, he said: "Yeah, at the minute, yeah. I'm enjoying it that much, yeah, I love playing for this club.
“Nothing's certain in football, and things change, but we can only take it game by game. I think everyone knows how much I love it here.
Joe Gelhardt has struggled for minutes at Leeds United in recent years.placeholder image
Joe Gelhardt has struggled for minutes at Leeds United in recent years. | Alex Caparros/Getty Images
”It'd be stupid to say no because I've played my best year of football here. It's obviously more difficult than just making a decision, but yeah, pretty much.
“I haven't spoken to anyone from Leeds since the start of the seaso. I don't know if my agent has. He hasn't told me if he has. I'm sure the clubs speak, I'm sure they have to, but yeah, not from my side, I think they've just let me focus on playing, which I don't mind, to be fair. That's my job, isn't it, so that's all I'm here to do."