Championship promotion chasers Blackburn Rovers are in talks with Leeds United to sign striker Joe Gelhardt. The Lancashire Telegraph and the Sunderland Echo report that the 20-year-old who has also been linked with a move to Sunderland and Wigan Athletic is at the centre of talks between Rovers and Leeds.
Championship Club in Talks to Sign Leeds United Striker
Youngster Will Be Allowed to Leave Following Cup Reply
It is believed that Leeds are open to Gelhardt leaving on loan this month in a bid to aid his development. However, they want to wait until after the upcoming FA Cup Third Round replay against Cardiff City.
The tie at Elland Road will be played this coming Wednesday meaning there is still time for the likes of Sunderland who are themselves searching for reinforcements upfront to enter the race for Gelhardt. The Black Cats have just one recognised striker at present in Ross Stewart following Everton’s decision to recall Ellis Simms from his loan spell.
Struggling Wigan will also be interested as they look to halt their dismal run of form which has left them bottom of the Championship table.
Rovers Boss Wants Quality and Depth
Following a disappointing 4-0 defeat at Rotherham United, Blackburn boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has said that any new signing are not a reaction to their defeat at the weekend. He said: “I don’t look at the result and think we need signings. I’ve said from the beginning that we should not waste a transfer window. The result and the transfer market are separate.
“The result and performance was very poor, but we also do need to bring players in to help the group and increase the quality and depth in the squad.”
Championship Club in Talks to Sign the Next Wayne Rooney
Back in 2020 when Gelhardt signed for Leeds from Wigan, football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as the next Wayne Rooney.
One of the most talented teenagers in England, The New Wayne Rooney from @LUFC – Joe Gelhardt! #talent #scouting 🏴
👇👇👇https://t.co/O1RyXyNOhC pic.twitter.com/9qHOmyFzYR
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) November 12, 2020
The Leeds youngster has some way to go toward becoming the next Rooney; however, he has shown his talent in the United U21s and also in his six starts and substitute appearances for the first team where he has scored two goals and registered six assists. Gelhardt now needs regular game time and clubs like Blackburn or Sunderland who have high ambitions for this season could be the ideal move for him.
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