Favourites emerge for Rangers target who will be allowed to leave club on loan
01/07/2025 06:30 AM
Joe Gelhardt looks set to leave Leeds this month amid Rangers’ interest in the striker.
Rangers were one of several teams linked to Gelhardt in advance of the January window opens with his game time at Elland Road limited.
The Yorkshire Evening Post even claimed back in November that Gers were favourites to land the 22-year-old, who was also credited as being ‘enthusiastic’ about the interest from Ibrox.
Philippe Clement is believed to be interested in signing a striker, even if defence is the number one priority, with Cyriel Dessers potentially on the move this month.
And Gelhardt could become a real possibility with the emergence of the news that Leeds will allow him to leave on loan.
Fellow English Championship sides Portsmouth, QPR, Cardiff City, Derby County and Plymouth Argyle were all named within the same report as interested parties.
Hull emerge as favourites for Rangers-linked Gelhardt
Despite Rangers being previously mentioned as favourites, it would appear there is a new frontrunner for Gelhardt’s signature.
Hull City are in talks with Leeds over a loan switch for the rest of the season, according to Hull Live.
The report states that the Tigers are leading the race “ahead of clubs in England and Scotland” with the player keen on the move.
Hull have been searching for a goalscorer and believe they have found their man.
There could be a delay though as Leeds want to fully investigate the full circumstances surrounding Patrick Bamford’s hamstring injury before sanctioning his fellow striker’s exit.
Rangers striker alternatives
It would seem, then, that any Rangers move for Gelhardt is dead in the water with Hull looking like a goer for him.
Do Gers have any alternatives if they are looking to fill a third striker slot, with Dessers potentially heading to Saint-Ettiene?
Yes is the answer as there have also been strong links to South African striker Iqraam Rayners.
Rangers were recently billed as favourites for Rayner despite competing interest from Belgian side Sportkring Beveren.
Gers are reportedly prepared to pay the £2.4m to sign the 29-year-old from Mamelodi Sundowns in his homeland.
