Leeds United decision expected on transfer target

Leeds United are expected to wait until after playing Cardiff City in this week’s FA Cup replay before they make a decision on the future of one of the Swans transfer targets in Joe Gelhardt.

The Swans have been listed as one of several clubs interested in taking Gelhardt at least on loan for the rest of the season and reports have suggested that maybe Blackburn Rovers are at the front end of the queue when it comes to a likely destination.

However, it is known that Leeds are keen to ensure that any loan move for Gelhardt will see plenty of first team football opportunities and it is rumoured that Blackburn may not match the criteria that they have in place for his immediate future.

Blackburn do have Ben Brereton Diaz, Jack Vale and Sam Gallagher all as attacking options which could mean that opportunities for first team football at Ewood Park could be limited and that could scupper any move that they want to make for the player.

The same could be argued for the Swans with Joel Piroe back in form and forming a promising looking partnership with Liam Cullen but you could easily form an argument that Gelhardt would play more first team football here than at Blackburn.

Factor in the seemingly imminent departures of Michael Obafemi and Jamie Paterson and there is a definite need for another attacking option especially if Morgan Whittaker is sold as is potentially seemingly increasingly likely.

Wigan Athletic are another club linked with a move for the forward player but suggestions have been made that Leeds are less likely to want to let him leave for a Championship relegation battle even though first team football on a weekly basis is much more likely with the Latics.

No matter what though, Leeds are reported to not be making a decision on his future until after their midweek FA Cup replay against Cardiff City.   The Lilywhites needed an extra time equaliser to earn the replay in a 2-2 draw a little over a week ago and Gelhardt is expected to start in the match this midweek at Elland Road.

The Swans do remain very much in the hunt for this player and there is life yet in this particular transfer story.