Rangers really keen to sign Joe Gelhardt after unfortunate Leeds United news
Rangers are “really keen” to sign Joe Gelhardt from Leeds United in January, Carlton Palmer says.
QPR are also interested in the 22-year-old ahead of the upcoming transfer window [Football League World, 11 December], and the striker has been told that Loftus Road would be a good option for him.
The Scottish giants are another club eyeing the Englishman [Yorkshire Evening Post, 26 November], and the centre-forward has been told to pick a side where his minutes will be prioritised.
Speaking to the Football League World [12 December], Palmer said: “It’s unfortunate at this moment in time that Daniel Farke is not able to give Joe Gelhardt the minutes that he wants. It’s looking likely that he goes out on loan in January. There’s a lot of competition for his signature.
“The latest club to put their name to signing him on loan is QPR, and Glasgow Rangers are really keen on signing the player as well. It all depends on what Joe Gelhardt wants to do. Leeds will not let him go to anybody that is going to compete with them either in the play-offs or in an automatic spot.
“QPR would be one of those teams that isn’t going to interfere with Leeds’ promotion chances, so if he is not going to go to a top club in the Championship, then he may well look at a move to Scottish giants Rangers.”
Joe Gelhardt transfer inevitable at Leeds United
Gelhardt’s departure seems inevitable, with Daniel Farke not counting on the forward in the current campaign.
Despite several rotations in the number nine position, the Englishman has struggled for minutes at Elland Road.
The German manager has experimented with Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe up top this season, but the Whites are yet to find a stable striker.
Patrick Bamford is another forward whose game time at Leeds has dwindled in the current campaign, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him leave in the coming months.
The Whites have relied on Piroe to find the back of the net consistently, and the Dutch national has done precisely that.
QPR are struggling around the relegation zone in the Championship, and it’s unlikely that the Peacocks will stand in his way if he wants to make his way to Loftus Road.
Gelhardt needs to prioritise his development, and the West Yorkshire club could do with getting his wages off their books, but with silverware and European football available, a move to Scotland and Rangers could be more appealing.
In other Leeds news, the Elland Road faithful will be fuming at what Weston McKennie has said at Juventus.
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