Joe Gelhardt exit on the cards as Lecce eye deal for Leeds United forward

A move could be on the cards for Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt as Lecce have shown a potential interest in signing him, according to CalcioLecce.

The Italian news outlet reported on 23 July that the Serie A club have added the 21-year-old to their list of potential forwards to sign this summer.

The report said Lecce are eyeing a deal for the striker after they were impressed by his form on loan in the Championship at Sunderland last season, adding that the Italian side could be the ideal place for him to "explode".

Interesting

This is a potentially interesting transfer story that not many people - Gelhardt probably included - would have ever really seen coming this summer.

The forward has been linked with a move away from Elland Road, though, with Sunderland believed to be interested in signing him after he spent the second half of last season on loan there.

That interest does appear to have cooled a little bit now, so that would open him up to a potential move to Lecce if they do decide to firm up their interest and make an offer.

If Daniel Farke doesn't see the striker in his plans moving forwards, then the best thing to do would be to try and sell him on now to quickly be able to reinvest that money into new additions.

But perhaps he does deserve the chance to show what he's got in a Whites shirt in the upcoming season, as he is still young and has a long-term contract at the club.

In other Leeds United news, one star has spoken about his Elland Road exit this summer.