Leeds United are reportedly prepared to part with Hull City loan star Joe Gelhardt amid talk of interest from Rangers.
The 23-year-old was out of favour at Elland Road but has enjoyed a new lease of life out on loan at Hull.
Since returning to the MKM Stadium for his second spell with the Tigers last summer, ‘Joffy’ has registered 13 goals across 34 league outings.
Leeds’ owners 49ers Enterprises also own the Gers, potentially giving the Scottish Premiership giants an advantage.
Joe Gelhardt is currently on loan at Hull City from Leeds United.placeholder image
Joe Gelhardt is currently on loan at Hull City from Leeds United. | Tony Johnson
Joe Gelhardt latest
Speaking to Football Insider, former Manchester United scout Mick Brown offered an insight into Gelhardt’s future.
He said: “Rangers are interested in signing Joe Gelhardt. The link they’ve got with Leeds will be helpful, with the owners, because it makes negotiations between the clubs that much easier than it normally is.
“Leeds are prepared to let him go, they don’t think he’s got a long-term future there so they’ve been open to offers for a while and let him go out on loan. By all accounts, he’s been excellent for Hull City, and Rangers have taken note of that.
“They’ll be watching him closely for the rest of the season, but they feel he would do a good job coming up to Scotland, and he could make a real difference there.
“Rangers want to strengthen their attack, he’s an option for them, and it could be one of those deals that works out well for everybody involved.”
Joe Gelhardt’s path from Leeds United fringe player to Hull City star
A versatile attacking outlet, Gelhardt can operate as an attacking midfielder, winger or forward.
He has thrived out on the right and as a ‘number 10’ this term, playing a starring role in Hull’s rise to promotion contention.
The former England youth international has been on the books at Elland Road since 2020, when he was signed from Wigan Athletic.
Joe Gelhardt was once considered Leeds United’s most exciting young prospect.placeholder image
Joe Gelhardt was once considered Leeds United’s most exciting young prospect. | Bruce Rollinson
He has made a total of 57 appearances for the Whites, registering three goals and seven assists.
In a recent interview with Hull Live, Gelhardt admitted he would be open to staying at the MKM Stadium beyond the end of the current campaign.
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.
Joe Gelhardt has enjoyed a new lease of life on loan at Hull City.placeholder image
Joe Gelhardt has enjoyed a new lease of life on loan at Hull City. | Tony Johnson
“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.
”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."