Big money needed as Joe Gelhardt exit accelerates at Leeds United

Joe Gelhardt has become somewhat of a forgotten figure at Leeds United over the past couple of years.

Signing from Wigan with a huge reputation, Gelhardt was given passing chances at Elland Road, mainly from Jesse Marsch.

A drop into the Championship didn't help him either, as Daniel Farke preferred other options in LS11.

That led to loan spells at Sunderland and Hull, as Gelhardt fired the Tigers to the Premier League last season.

But, he still hasn't sealed a permanent move to East Yorkshire.

That could all be about to change with the race for his signature heating up in recent days at Leeds.

Leeds United relish Joe Gelhardt transfer race

Gelhardt has proven himself as a top Championship attacker now, and those hunting promotion know it.

Wrexham have joined the race for Gelhardt, but that could spring others into action as well.

Alan Nixon has reported via his Patreon on Tuesday that Hull are now well back in the race to sign their ex-loanee.

The reliable journalist states that Gelhardt is climbing Hull's target list again, with a permanent exit now on cards.

With a big salary and Leeds wanting a decent fee, it's said that both Hull and Wrexham would need to find "a lot of cash."

For now, the Tigers are classed as favourites again.

How much could Leeds bank from Gelhardt?

The 49ers are having their best transfer window yet at Elland Road since taking full control.

And it's not just because of their incomings, with Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford signed.

For once, Leeds are actually working on offloading dead wood in their squad, something that hasn't happened for years.

Loans appeared to have taken over, but now money is being brought in.

Jack Harrison, Max Wober and Isaac Schmidt have all left, while Gelhardt and Largie Ramazani look likely to follow.

It's been said that Leeds could bank up to £4.5m to sell Gelhardt, with big wages trimmed down from those players mentioned, too.

That would be a great fee for a player who has never frequently featured at Elland Road, with his wages also helpful to use elsewhere.

Leeds are moving smartly in this window, and it should unlock the ability to spend even more in this final three weeks.