Beren Cross of Leeds Live has been discussing the club’s reported interest in the Wigan Athletic striker Joe Gelhardt during a recent Q&A with a group of supporters.
A question was posed to the journalist in which he was asked what he believes to be the chances of the Whites landing the 18-year-old centre-forward, to which Cross responded:
‘Orta has liked Gelhardt for years. He is seen as his generation’s Rooney and long been on bigger clubs’ target lists. Wigan’s plight does suddenly put him on many radars. United still feel there is big competition for him from PL clubs with bigger budgets, but it’s promising. They feel encouraged and have high hopes it will happen. Bielsa and clearer first-team opportunities appeal.’
Despite being so young, the Liverpool-born starlet made 18 appearances in the Championship for the Latics last season and scored in the 2-2 draw at Hull City back in September (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).
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Most of the youngster’s appearances in the league have come as a substitute and according to Leeds Live, Gelhardt impressed during Wigan’s run to the FA Youth Cup fifth round and scored a hat-trick in the fourth round.
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It’s understood that Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea are both interested in the player, as are Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City who have all sent scouts to watch the youngster (via Leeds Live).
Given Wigan Athletic’s financial issues, it could be that the club are forced into a quick sale. Although it is possible that the aforementioned clubs could outbid Leeds United in the race for Gelhardt’s signature, the prospect of more first-team football at Elland Road could influence the player’s decision regarding where he ends up.