Leeds agree fee to sign centre-forward, terms to be agreed with player next week – report
Leeds United have struck a £1million deal to sign young striker Joe Gelhardt from Wigan, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claims that cash-strapped Wigan are being forced to cash in on the 18-year-old and are using the money to pay the wages of staff while they are in administration.
It is understood that an agreement has been reached between Leeds and Wigan and terms are likely to be agreed with the England Under-18 international next week.
Gelhardt is one of the top young prospects in the EFL with the youngster reportedly being dubbed as the new Wayne Rooney.
He only turned 18-years-old in May but has already made 21 senior appearances for Wigan, playing 19 times for them in all competitions this season.
It remains to be seen what Leeds’ plans are for Gelhardt because he’s shown he on the cusp of regular senior football at Wigan.
Alan Nixon’s recently reported that Gelhardt could be signed permanently by Leeds and then sent out on loan to Huddersfield, who are now managed by ex-United Under-23s boss Carlos Corberan.
That would make sense because he would surely get more football in the Championship with Corberan than in the Premier League with Leeds.
But you never know with Marcelo Bielsa.
He’s handed a lot of young players first-team debuts in his two years at Elland Road.
Maybe Gelhardt is the next teenager to get a break at Leeds.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are also plotting a move for this £15million full-back.