Leeds United's striker loan destination preference emerges amid interest from QPR, Plymouth Argyle and more
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Leeds United would rather avoid sending Joe Gelhardt to a Championship rival, a report from MOT Leeds News has said.
Leeds United have enjoyed a strong campaign to date but there’s still debate over who should be leading the line for Daniel Farke week in, week out.
It’s healthy to have a battle for the starting berth, with Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph currently vying for the place up top. However, their battle has impacted two players.
Patrick Bamford’s minutes have decreased but the impact has been stronger for Joe Gelhardt. The 22-year-old has found himself dropping out of the matchday squad and as such, there have been calls for him to head out on loan in January.
Now, new claims over a potential Leeds United exit have emerged.
According to MOT Leeds News, the Whites would rather not send Gelhardt to a Championship rival. A host of second-tier sides have been linked with the striker and many would see value in him playing at this level, but it seems the preference is for him to find game time in another league.
It presents a blow to his Championship admirers and no doubts limits Gelhardt’s options, but he is said to have interest from elsewhere.
Who has been linked with Gelhardt?
Most of the sides linked with Leeds United fringe man Gelhardt have been from the Championship.
It was first claimed that summer admirers Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Stoke City and Preston North End all retain an interest. Since then, it has been said that QPR are also keen on the former Wigan Athletic striker.
However, the news will come as a boost to his admirers outside England’s second-tier.
Rangers – who reportedly prefer a loan-to-buy deal – are keen, while teams in Belgium eyed Gelhardt in the summer as well.
Any loan will do
Leeds United may have their preference over where they send Gelhardt for the rest of the season but frankly, the priority has to be loaning him to the club where he will get the most game time.
The forward has long been viewed as a player with exciting potential and he’s shown that on the senior stage too. However, if he’s to maximise his abilities and get back to his best, he simply has to play regularly.
If there’s a Championship side that can guarantee a regular starting role, they must not be ignored by the Whites, regardless of whether they lean more towards sending him somewhere outside of the Championship.
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