Hull City set to beat Luton Town & Wrexham to Leeds United transfer deal | OneFootball

Hull City are closing in on a transfer agreement involving Leeds United

Hull City are closing in on the signing of Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt.

According to Hull Live, the Tigers are nearing a deal that will see the forward join Ruben Selles’ side for the rest of the campaign on loan.

Gelhardt has struggled for game time at Elland Road under Daniel Farke, and has played just twice in the Championship so far this season, but FLW exclusively revealed earlier this month that he still also had interest from the likes of Wrexham and Luton Town.

He has previously spent time on loan at Sunderland, where he contributed three goals and three assists from 18 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign, helping the team earn a top six finish in the table.

Joe Gelhardt transfer latest as Hull City look to wrap up deal

Gelhardt has been the subject of transfer speculation this January, much like most recent windows, but is now closing in on the next stage of his career.

It is believed Hull are going to win the race to his signature, with the forward set to join Selles’ side on loan for the rest of the season.

Gelhardt’s last Leeds United league appearance came in a 0-0 draw against Norwich City back in October, where he was substituted on in the closing stages.

Selles has reportedly pushed to get this signing over the line, with the new Hull manager looking to make additions that will boost their relegation battle chances.

The Tigers have endured a disappointing first half of the campaign, and will now be looking to avoid staying in the bottom three.

Despite competition from both Luton and Wrexham, the Yorkshire outfit have taken the lead in the race to his signature following an agreement with Leeds.

Hull City's Championship league position

Hull are currently 22nd in the Championship table, and have also played a game more than some of their rivals in the relegation battle.

Selles’ side are level on points with both Portsmouth and Cardiff City, sitting in between the two teams in the standings due to goal difference.

However, the Tigers have played two more than Pompey and one more than the Bluebirds at this stage.

Next up for Hull in the league is a trip to face Millwall on 18 January.

Joe Gelhardt signing will be a boost for Hull City in the short-term

While Gelhardt has struggled for game time at Leeds, his previous stint at Sunderland shows he is more than capable of competing at this level.

The Whites have the strongest squad in the division, and minutes under Farke will naturally be harder to come by.

But Selles should be pleased to get Gelhardt, should this agreement get over the line, as he will add some much-needed firepower to his forward options.

If he can hit the ground running and start well at Hull, then he could play a big role in helping the East Yorkshire outfit turn around their form and to pull away from the Championship relegation zone.