DEAL DONE:Philippe Clement accepted contract agreement with a Leeds United super star Joe Gelhardt…

DEAL DONE:Philippe Clement accepted contract agreement with a Leeds United super star Joe Gelhardt…

UK

Rangers are among a number of clubs interested in signing Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt in January, sources have told Football Insider.

 

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Philippe Clement’s side will face competition from Championship sides in their pursuit of the 22-year-old.

Gelhardt has featured just three times this season after falling down the pecking order at Elland Road, and is expected to become available when the transfer window opens.

 

Sources say Leeds could be open to his exit on loan as well as potential permanent offers and will weigh up their stance on his future in the coming weeks.

However, his availability is set to put rival clubs on alert, which could complicate the Glasgow side’s ability to get a deal over the line.

Rangers in race to sign Leeds star Joe Gelhardt in January

Rangers’ interest in the Liverpool-born forward has been long-standing, having initially made enquiries into his availability during the summer transfer window.

 

Now, after playing just 72 minutes of football across all competitions this season, there is a growing expectation that Leeds will be open to offers.

The emergence of Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe as the priority forwards under Daniel Farke have forced Gelhardt out of the running to be the starting striker at Leeds.

 

However, he would be offered increased playing time at Ibrox thanks to ability to play through the middle as a striker and also as a number ten.