Joe Gelhardt is likely to attract interest and could leave Elland Road if Leeds United are relegated, according to The Telegraph (via MOT Leeds News).

The lowdown

Leeds paid £900,000 to sign Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2020, committing him to a four-year contract. He's gone to make 18 first-team appearances for the club, and 28 at Under-23 level.

The striker scored what could prove to be a crucial goal against Norwich City in March, snatching all three points for Leeds in the 94th minute.

Jesse Marsch's side are battling to avoid demotion to the Championship two seasons after their Premier League return.

They're currently two points ahead of 18th-place Everton, but the Toffees do have a game in hand.

[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-43/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg" width="360" height="600" align="none"]

The latest

Journalist Mike McGrath writes (via MOT Leeds News) that it would be 'foolish' to think that clubs would not consider a move for Gelhardt if Leeds drop.

He would also expects opportunistic suitors to present themselves for Raphinha, Illan Meslier, Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips.

A number of contracts at Leeds include relegation release clauses, but it's unclear if that applies to Gelhardt.

The verdict

Gelhardt may feel that he should have had more opportunities for Leeds' senior side. He's featured in 16 Premier League matches this season, but only two of those have been starts.

That's despite the fact that Bamford has only been fit for ten games as a result of injuries. But he should think twice about leaving, even if Leeds fall to the second tier.

If another club does snap up Bamford, the manager may be willing to place more faith in Gelhardt as the team's primary striker at a lower level.

The teenager may have offers from other Premier League clubs, but it could be a similar story to this season. Any suitors may also regard him as one for the future given his limited experience.

But if he's the man to fire Leeds to promotion, then he could make the spot in his own in the top-flight at the second time of asking.

In other news, this man is unlikely to stay at the club.