Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle among multiple clubs keen on Leeds United fringe man

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Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt has interest from Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Preston North End and more, as per the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt has dropped down the pecking order at Elland Road in recent seasons and with the likes of Stoke City keen, many thought a summer exit would beckon.

The 22-year-old was not short on loan interest but the Whites made the decision to keep him at Elland Road, much to the surprise of many and the frustration of his admirers.

However, Gelhardt’s future has come under fresh questioning amid his continued lack of minutes. The versatile attacker did not travel with Daniel Farke’s squad again at the weekend and he has played just twice in the Championship this season.

Now, as January nears, Leeds United are seeing interest in Gelhardt grow again.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that summer admirers Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth and Preston North End all remain keen on the former Wigan Athletic youngster. Scottish Premiership giants Rangers and two unnamed Belgian sides are also looking at reviving their recent interest.

It is added that there is interest in a loan move from Gelhardt’s perspective too given his lack of game time.

Best for all

Farke has been vocal about his admiration of Gelhardt’s attitude and abilities. But, to be frank, the talented attacker is just not getting game time at Leeds United, regardless of how the manager feels about him.

As such, it only makes sense for him to head out on loan this winter.

The Whites have ample cover with Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph vying for the starting spot. Patrick Bamford remains an option but like Gelhardt, he has found chances hard to come by too this season.

A Championship move to one of Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth or Preston North End could be a chance for the striker to show what he can do in the division but if Leeds are against loaning to a divisional rival, Rangers or his Belgian admirers could come into play.

The January focus

Although there are other Leeds United players on the fringes of the first-team squad and struggling for minutes, the focus is likely to be on additions at Elland Road this January.

Farke has not been blessed with squad depth in some key areas owing to injury and if they’re to avoid falling short of promotion once again, you have to think they’ll look to bring new players in.

That could only push the likes of Gelhardt further down the pecking order, further emphasising the point that he’ll be better off out on loan for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.

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