Joe Gelhardt transfer latest: Blackburn interest, Celtic and Rangers keen, Plymouth Argyle update | OneFootball

With the embarrassment of riches they currently have in the final third, Leeds United have multiple players struggling for Championship game-time.

And one of those is Joe Gelhardt, who is understandably finding it hard to get in-front of the likes of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville among others in Daniel Farke's pecking order.

Gelhardt had intermittent chances to make an impact in the Premier League over the last two seasons, but he has rarely been used in the Championship, and that is prompting plenty of interest this month to give him the game-time he needs.

It was thought last month that Leeds were set to keep him around for squad depth for the remainder of the season, but with interest growing in the 21-year-old, a loan move now looks more likely than ever.

Let's round up the latest Gelhardt news coming out regarding his short-term Elland Road future.

Blackburn want to strike double Leeds deal including Gelhardt

One of the clubs that have been linked with an interest in the versatile forward in recent weeks is Blackburn Rovers, who are being troubled by injuries at the top end of the pitch and need another goalscorer in their side to ease the pressure on Sammie Szmodics.

Rovers had joined the Gelhardt chase before Christmas, but it is not just the striker they want from Leeds as well, according to The Sun's Alan Nixon via his Patreon account - it is centre-back Charlie Cresswell too.

Jon Dahl Tomasson wants to loan in both players in a double deal but would have to find the money to pay most of the young pair's wages, which is easier said than done.

Blackburn were admirers of Gelhardt last January though before he went to Sunderland - this time they may actually secure his services.

Celtic and Rangers keen on Gelhardt deal

It isn't just English clubs that are keen on Gelhardt's services too, as the Daily Mail's Simon Jones has reported in his Transfer Confidential column that Scottish Premiership duo Celtic and Rangers are also keen on the left-footed forward.

The Old Firm pair are battling it out for the Scottish title, with Rangers now eight points adrift with two games in hand on their Glasgow rivals, but both sides are looking at Gelhardt in a bid to add more fire-power.

And with Oh Hyeon-gyu heading off to the Asian Cup with South Korea, Celtic will be lacking in striker options for the first few weeks they are back from Scotland's winter break, so Gelhardt may be needed at Parkhead more than Ibrox.

Plymouth join Gelhardt chase

Blackburn don't have to worry about just Celtic and Rangers though, but now their Championship rivals Plymouth Argyle are also in the mix for the youngster, according to the aforementioned Nixon via Patreon.

The Pilgrims have lost creative pair Luke Cundle and Finn Azaz from their productive loan stints at Home Park and they have headed to Stoke City and Middlesbrough respectively, and whilst Gelhardt is not a central midfielder like that duo, he can play in the number 10 role as well as up-front and out wide.

New Pilgrims head coach Ian Foster will know Gelhardt from his time in the England youth coaching setup and that could be used as pulling power to bring the striker to Devon, as well as Plymouth not being a promotion rival of Leeds.