Sources: Wigan, Swansea, Sunderland & Blackburn sweat on Joe Gelhardt decision after latest Leeds United move | OneFootball

Joe Gelhardt has been handed control of his future this month with Leeds United allowing the striker to select the club he wants to join on loan, sources have revealed to Football League World.

Leeds have swooped to sign Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim this January, whilst Jesse Marsch has Rodrigo Moreno in good form and Patrick Bamford working his way back from a series of injury problems.

That’s left Gelhardt even further down the pecking order at Elland Road than he already was, having started just one Premier League fixture so far this season.

Sources have indicated to Football League World that “more than half the Championship” are interested in signing Gelhardt on loan, with Leeds pushing the decision of what the short-term future holds onto the 20-year-old.

We understand that Wigan Athletic are one club interested in signing Gelhardt, whilst The Athletic have previously linked Swansea City.

Leeds All Over have claimed that Sunderland have an eye on Gelhardt’s situation at Elland Road and the Yorkshire Evening Post have also noted how Hull City are another suitor.

The Sun have named Blackburn Rovers as a fifth Championship option for Gelhardt, as well as indicating that the young striker wants to remain in the north and that any move will come after Leeds’ meeting with Cardiff City in the FA Cup third round replay tonight.

Prior to that game, Marsch was quoted by @LUFC discussing Gelhardt: “There have been internal discussions and we will make some decisions in the coming weeks. In general his attitude has been great and we’ve had some good discussions. Everyone is open to different possibilities.”

Gelhardt has played 40 times for Leeds’ senior side, scoring twice and registering six assists.

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1. Wigan was formed more than 100 years ago