Twist as ‘astonishing’ Leeds United player has decided he wants to join Championship rivals 

Add as preferred source on Google

The race for one of Leeds United’s players is hotting up with the January transfer window in full flow and now, it is claimed a Championship club is leading the race to land his signature.

Six players have been linked with the exit door at Leeds this month. Tottenham want to sign Pascal Struijk after landing Archie Gray last summer, while Wrexham and Genoa are being linked with Patrick Bamford.

Leeds meanwhile, are expected to have a quiet window in terms of incomings but may be forced to enter the market if players do leave. Now, it appears one player is closing in on the exit door at Elland Road.

Before the window opened, reports said Joe Gelhardt was keen on leaving Leeds having only managed three appearances this season. He made the bench on Saturday at Hull for the first time in two months.

• READ MORE: What Leeds United sources are saying about a potential move for Mergim Berisha

Hull City now leading race to sign Leeds striker Joe Gelhardt

Indeed, “astonishing” striker Gelhardt has fallen down the pecking order since the arrival of Farke as Leeds manager. Currently, Joel Piroe is first choice with Mateo Joseph and Bamford trailing the Dutchman.

Gelhardt has been linked with the likes of Rangers, Stoke, QPR and plenty more. Plymouth wanted to sign Gelhardt but Wayne Rooney’s sacking hampered a move, while Sam Greenwood’s Preston were also keen.

Earlier this week, it was claimed foreign clubs had even asked Leeds about Gelhardt. But now, the Hull Daily Mail says Ruben Selles’ Hull are leading the race for Gelhardt and the Leeds star wants the move.

It comes just a few days after Leeds were held to a 3-3 draw against Hull, having led 3-1 only for Illan Meslier to commit a series of howlers and cost Leeds more points in the race for automatic promotion.

Hull City would be a smart move for Joe Gelhardt this month

Hull do have Joao Pedro up top, with the former Cagliari and Fenerbahce striker scoring against Leeds after Meslier decided to drop the ball at his feet. Hull do have other options, but need better up top.

Chris Bedia is on loan at Hull from Brenden Aaronson’s old side Union Berlin, but he’s managed just three goals in the Championship. Mason Burstow is another option, but he has been used out wide by Selles.

Gelhardt is a different type of striker to Pedro, with the latter well into his thirties and unwilling to chase down defenders. The Leeds ace offers Hull some tenacity up top, combining him with Pedro’s experience.