32 goals; Celtic and Rangers ‘ battle ‘ for promising Leeds United striker

Celtic and Rangers are reportedly locked in a transfer battle for the signature of Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt.

According to the Daily Mail, both Glasgow clubs are ‘keeping tabs’ on the 21-year-old and could launch

a move for the attacker this month as he enters the final six months of his deal at Elland Road.

The England youth international joined the West Yorkshire club in 2020 after being noticed by the

Hoops during his time at Wigan Athletic three and a half years prior, but he has struggled to score goals recently.

As a result, Gelhardt has only made six league appearances for Leeds this season and has not been

included in manager Daniel Farke’s starting lineup.

The young player may be farmed out once more given his lack of playing time since returning from a loan spell with Sunderland.

He has yet to score or assist in a goal.

The attacker played the majority of the previous season at the Stadium of Light,

where he helped the Black Cats place in the top six of the English Championship by scoring three goals and dishing out three assists.

He now trails players like Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford in the running for a starting spot,

having failed to convince Farke of his value.Midway through December,

Gelhardt made a late cameo appearance during a 1-1 draw at home against Coventry City,

capping a three-month absence from the team.

It is believed that the player, who would be looking for guarantees of more regular action elsewhere if he were to leave the Whites this month,

would find a move to Scotland to be a “enticing” option.

Leeds is vying for promotion back to the Premier League and is presently ranked fourth in the table.

It’s unclear if club administrators would approve a January transfer, either temporarily or permanently.

But given how many offensive options Farke has at his disposal,

it seems likely that Gelhardt will make a move as he wants to further his development and increase his transfer worth in anticipation of a summer permanent sale.

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