Sergej Jakirovic says he would like to sign Joe Gelhardt permanently, but warned that higher-priority targets could join Hull City instead.

Gelhardt has spent the last 18 months on loan in East Yorkshire from Leeds United.

Such was Gelhardt's initial impact, the Tigers would most likely have signed the forward permanently last summer but for transfer restrictions which stopped them buying players, or even paying loan fees for them.

Those restrictions – a punishment for being late with payments last year – are now over, and Gelhardt's first full season with Hull was a good one, yielding 14 goals and five assists.

HULL SERVICE: Joe Gelhardt has had 18 months on loan at Hull City from Leeds United (Image: Tony Johnson)

placeholder image — HULL SERVICE: Joe Gelhardt has had 18 months on loan at Hull City from Leeds United (Image: Tony Johnson)

But Hull's demands have also raised after Gelhardt helped them into the Premier League via the Championship play-offs. Gelhardt started the semi-final first leg but was on the bench for the other two games, scoring a crucial goal to win the second leg against Millwall.

And the fact Gelhardt, who was left out of Leeds' recent tour of the United States of America, can fit seamlessly back into coach Jakirovic's squad could count against him as Hull know they can focus on others first.

Birmingham City have reportedly shown an interest in the Merseysider, but nothing more.

"If it's my decision he will be here with us," Jakirovic told the BBC after chairman Acun Ilicali said it was up to him to decide Gelhardt's future.

SUPPORTIVE: Hull City coach Sergej Jakirovic says he would like Joe Gelhardt back (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

But he then gave an insight into the complicated machinations of a transfer window which cast doubt on that.

"We are expecting some players in these positions – No 8 (box-to-box midfielder), 10 (in the hole) or right winger so we have to wait," he added.

"I know everything about Joffo, he doesn't need any adaptation, but we will see.

"If nobody will come, I would like to sign Joffo.

"It's just we are trying to bring 'better' players with experience in the Premier League, which is very important and I hope we will bring this because we are working on that."

According to Transfermarkt, Gelhardt has played 938 Premier League minutes for Leeds, but only made eight starts. His last top-flight run-out was in January 2023.

Hull are currently spinning a number of plates as they look to add around ten more signings to Jack Butland, Oscar Zambrano, Hidemasa Morita, and Matt Targett.

Tromso’s Jens Hjerto-Dahl is a midfield option, and Nice's Mohamed Ali Cho a right winger they are interested in, but goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and defender Nobel Mendy appear the most imminent signings.