Sam Greenwood could now play a key role in Leeds United player Joe Gelhardt’s choice of club in January amid Elland Road exit reports

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It was always expected that Joe Gelhardt would be likely to leave Leeds United in January and now it appears there are numerous clubs in the race to land the Elland Road striker.

Gelhardt, 22, has managed just three appearances for Leeds this season. He remained at Elland Road in the summer and indeed, in January 2024 despite clubs showing interest in a move to land Gelhardt.

Leeds were willing to let Gelhardt go in the latter days of the summer’s window, but he stayed put and his chances of game time remain limited. Mateo Joseph, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford sit ahead of him.

Daniel Farke praised Gelhardt’s application in training on Monday but reports say Gelhardt is keen on a move away from Leeds in January, with a number of clubs interested to take the Wigan product on loan.

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Sam Greenwood could have a big say on Joe Gelhardt’s next club

Graham Smyth reports that Rangers want to take him north of the border. Championship clubs are also keen on signing Gelhardt, with the likes of Stoke, Portsmouth and Plymouth interested in his signature.

Plymouth would see him reunite with Adam Forshaw and Darko Gyabi, and boast the chance to work under Wayne Rooney – if he remains in a job. Paul Heckingbottom’s Preston are also eyeing Gelhardt.

That gives Sam Greenwood the chance to play a big part in Gelhardt’s choice. Greenwood is starring on loan at Preston, scoring six goals in 17. The Athletic say Gelhardt and Greenwood are ‘close friends’.

Their friendship originates from playing in the Leeds U21 side for a while before being promoted at the same time to the senior side. Greenwood’s form and the friendship could tempt him to choose Preston.

What Graeme Bailey has told us about Joe Gelhardt’s Leeds future

Despite Smyth reporting that Championship clubs and Rangers are interested, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News the chance to join a second-tier side may have passed for Gelhardt.

He also reports that Leeds are keen to move Gelhardt on. It will be interesting to see where the England youth international ends up at the end of January, if indeed his to move on from Leeds in January.

Bailey told us: “I hear Leeds are ready to move him on. The player has never been keen to go. I expect that he probably will go. I think he’s probably looking at League One now, though, unfortunately for him.”