Leeds United: Phil Hay drops Joe Gelhardt transfer update as Elland Road exit news emerges on Sunday
Leeds United have no intention of entertaining any loan interest in Joe Gelhardt in the January transfer window, according to Phil Hay.
Writing on The Athletic website on Sunday (10 December), the journalist said Whites boss Daniel Farke can see circumstances where the 21-year-old forward may be required this season despite him not playing since August.
It comes after The Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on his Patreon on Sunday that Southampton and Middlesbrough are both eyeing a loan move for Charlie Cresswell when the transfer window comes around.
Squad depth
It’s not too much of a surprise to hear that Farke isn’t too keen on loaning Gelhardt out in case he is required at some point this season.
While the forward hasn’t really featured since Joel Piroe joined from Swansea City and Patrick Bamford returned from injury, there is a long way to go in the campaign.
The Englishman proved last season during his loan spell with Sunderland that he can do a decent job at Championship level, so it makes sense to keep him around.
It’s likely Farke will take the same approach with Cresswell as his situation is very similar to Gelhardt and, if either of them were to leave, a replacement would likely have to be sought.
The Whites boss will probably want to keep most of his team together by the time the end of January comes around after they have been in excellent form across the past couple of months.
In other Leeds United news, a Whites player has reacted after being told what Marcelo Bielsa recently asked about him.