Rangers credited with interest in Leeds United forward and Hull City target Joe Gelhardt
Rangers have been credited with interest in a Leeds United attacker and Hull City target
Rangers reportedly want to beat Hull City to the signing of Leeds United’s Joe Gelhardt.
The 24-year-old does not appear to have a future at Elland Road despite impressing across two loan spells in East Yorkshire with Hull.
The Tigers want a reunion and manager Sergej Jakirovic has gone as far to suggest it is only a “matter of time” before Gelhardt makes a return to the club.
Rangers linked with Leeds United attacker
However, according to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Scottish Premiership heavyweights Rangers want to win the race for his signature.
The Gers, who share owners with Leeds, have previously been linked with the former England youth international.
Posting on X, O’Rourke: “Rangers are making a late attempt to beat a host of clubs to the signing of Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.
“Rangers are looking for attacking reinforcements following the serious knee sustained by Youssef Chermiti.”
Gelhardt has a deep affection for Hull and a move back to the MKM Stadium holds a clear emotional appeal. However, Rangers’ connection to Leeds is an aspect that could prove worrying for supporters of the Tigers.
Sergej Jakirovic on Joe Gelhardt
When asked about the prospect of a return to Hull for ‘Joffy’, Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside: “There is no doubt about Joe Gelhardt. For me, no doubt. For me, Joe Gelhardt proved everything on the pitch.
“Last season, contribution, how many goals? 15. He loves Hull City, he wants to be here, he’s very happy here, this is just, I think, also a matter of time when we will finish this job.”
There has also been talk of interest from Wrexham and Birmingham City in Gelhardt, who has not featured in any of Leeds’ pre-season friendlies.
He arrived at Elland Road from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2020 and has since made 57 appearances for the West Yorkshire club.