Swansea City are interested in signing Joe Gelhardt on loan from Leeds United, with The Athletic reporting that a number of sides in the Championship hope to land the 20-year-old.
Gelhardt is facing an uncertain immediate future at Elland Road. He has been in and around the first-team for over 12 months. However, he has struggled for game-time this season, starting just once in the Premier League.
Gelhardt’s situation has been complicated by the fact that Patrick Bamford has spent much of the last 18 months out injured. He has been needed by Jesse Marsch. But the form of Rodrigo has meant that he has probably not played anywhere near as much as he would like.
Swansea want Gelhardt on loan
The potential arrival of Georginio Rutter may not be the best news for Gelhardt in some ways. But it would appear that he could benefit in the short-term, depending on your point of view.
MORE LEEDS STORIES
Leeds are now in advanced talks to sign Rutter. Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday that personal terms have now been agreed. And it seems that the Hoffenheim striker coming in would have implications for Gelhardt.
The Athletic reports that several Championship clubs have registered an interest in the forward. Swansea are amongst those who want Gelhardt.
The report notes that Leeds are yet to make a decision on loaning Gelhardt out. But they would surely be foolish not to if they manage to sign Rutter.
If Leeds are going to spend £26.5 million on Rutter, he is likely to be ahead of Gelhardt in the pecking order for the time-being. And with that, it would be an error to hold onto the Englishman for the rest of the season.
Gelhardt appears to have the kind of talent that few young players in a very promising Leeds squad have. But his confidence has probably taken a hit this season.
He will score goals if he gets a chance to play week-in, week-out. And there are plenty of teams in the Championship crying out for a goalscorer this month.