Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt to undergo Friday medical ahead of Sunderland loan
Joe Gelhardt will have his medical on Friday ahead of a loan move from Leeds United to Sunderland, Keith Downie has reported.
The Sky Sports journalist reported earlier on Thursday that the Black Cats have emerged from a crowd of Championship sides to secure a deal for the Whites youngster for the rest of the season.
Wigan were the presumed destination for much of the window as Gelhardt’s previous club, but the Latics are struggling at the bottom of the Championship and have now sacked manager Kolo Toure so the Elland Road hierarchy have instead struck an agreement with Tony Mowbray’s promotion-chasers and the final steps are now due.
Reporting via Twitter on Thursday evening (26 January) Downie wrote: “Joe Gelhardt set to undergo his Sunderland medical tomorrow.
“The striker had a number of clubs wanting him but was sold on SAFC vision as a club. Feels like a very good signing.”
Challenge
There was plenty of competition for Gelhardt’s signature in the end but barring any late hitches it looks like the Stadium of Light could be an excellent move for the 20-year-old.
The Black Cats are currently ninth in the second tier but only three points off third and in with a strong chance of the play offs this season.
There is an opening in their attack after Everton recalled Ellis Simms from loan so if the United man can now get a sustained run out in a team gunning for the Premier League it should really benefit him.
He looked to be in line for just that at Elland Road this season, but despite Patrick Bamford’s absence it has largely been a disappointment for him.
After showing sparks in his first team opportunities prior to this campaign, his development into more than a late option off the bench has been stunted by untimely injury issues and what appears to be a lack of trust from Jesse Marsch so far.
If he can prove himself with a run of appearances and goals, potentially in a promoted side, he will put himself in as good of a position as possible ahead of next season back at Leeds.
But whether Marsch will be there then remains to be seen, amid an ongoing fight at the bottom of the table, and an imminent takeover.
In other Leeds United news, the club are at the final step of a major late window move according to Fabrizio Romano.