Rangers star could hold key to Leeds United hitman making bold Ibrox transfer in January
12/10/2024 08:30 AM
Rangers are one of a number of clubs said to be tailing out of favour Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt ahead of the January transfer window.
The Ibrox side have seen their striker options boosted by the return of Danilo and emergence of Hamza Igamane in recent weeks but links persist to other options.
Joe Gelhardt is one of the names most prominently mentioned alongside Rangers and if the Ibrox side are interested then they could face stiff competition.
But should Rangers make their move in January, perhaps an agent link to one key Ibrox first-teamer could be crucial to sealing the deal.
Rangers linked to Joe Gelhardt
Rangers were named amongst the Joe Gelhardt frontrunners ahead of the January transfer window.
The reports originate in the Yorkshire Evening Post, who claim Rangers were amongst ten sides who tried to sign Gelhardt in the summer.
With Daniel Farke holding on to Gelhardt in order to aid Leeds' promotion charge, the striker has barely kicked a ball for the Elland Road side all season.
Now, after making only two late substitute appearances in the league this campaign, Gelhardt is reportedly pushing for a move with Rangers amongst the teams linked.
Portsmouth, Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Preston North End and a pair of unnamed Belgian clubs have also been mentioned, but there are murmurs that Rangers is the striker's preferable destination.
This comes one year on from when Celtic failed in a January loan swoop for Joe Gelhardt, only to move for Norwich City's Adam Idah.
Rangers star shares same agent as Leeds United hitman
Whilst Rangers are obviously a sizeably more attractive prospect that some of those other clubs linked, Joe Gelhardt could face a big transfer decision in January.
It's clear the striker isn't getting enough game time at Leeds United and we expect the player's agents are already fielding calls about Gelhardt's availability.
Gelhardt is represented by Triple S Sports Management, a football agency who also represent none other than Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland.
If the 22-year-old striker needs any advice on how things are at Rangers or the lowdown on how the club works, we're pretty sure the Ibrox number one will be on hand to give it.
But whilst Joe Gelhardt looks for assurances over game time at Rangers, we're not so sure the Ibrox club is really in a position to give it.
With Hamza Igamane emerging at Ibrox and Danilo returning from injury, Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers also has a point to prove after being benched.
If we're talking about Gelhardt leaving Leeds United for guaranteed opportunities, is he really going to get them at Ibrox?
