‘Mad times’ – Reliable journalist claims Leeds met striker on Monday, want deal done asap
Leeds United are looking to strike quickly in the transfer market and met with Wigan forward Joe Gelhardt on Monday.
That was the latest news from the Sun’s transfer expert Alan Nixon, who said that Leeds are in “first and strongest” for the striker.
Wigan are in administration and need to raise funds quickly to ensure the club’s survival.
Nixon claimed that while a fee hasn’t been agreed yet for the 18-year-old, Leeds want to get the deal wrapped up as quickly as possible.
Wigan want the money upfront because of their current difficulties and Nixon described the situation as “mad times”.
Early bird gets the worm
It looks like Leeds could be the beneficiaries of the sad situation that Wigan find themselves in at the moment.
Gelhardt is young but he’s being touted as a real talent after the 18-year-old broke into the first team at Wigan and played 17 games in this season’s Championship.
Everton’s Marcel Brandts was said to be “desperate” to sign the striker in February and Gelhardt has been dubbed the ‘next Wayne Rooney’.
Journalist Adam Crafton had said that clubs like Leicester, Spurs and Man United were also after him and dubbed him a “big talent” but it looks like Leeds could steam in and nick him with a quick deal.
Premier League clubs don’t finish the 19/20 season until next Sunday.
We think that Gelhardt might be for the Under-23s to start with but with a full pre-season with Marcelo Bielsa, we also think he would be a first-team squad player in the 20/21 season.
Leeds fans are very hot on him and it feels like he could an absolute steal – certainly if he goes on to live up to his potential.
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