Sunderland interested in Leeds United forward amid Wigan Athletic loan offer | OneFootball

Sunderland are not only keen on a deal for Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell, but are also interested in forward Joe Gelhardt too, according to LeedsAllOver.

The 20-year-old has made 14 appearances in the Premier League for United this season, although the majority of those have come as a substitute.

The arrival of Italy international Wilfried Gnonto has pushed Gelhardt down the pecking order at Elland Road, and with the imminent signing of Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim, the path is being paved for a loan departure this month to the Championship.

Sunderland are now said to be one of a number of clubs keen on Gelhardt’s signature, having lost Ellis Simms back to Everton at the start of the window, but they face competition.

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That is because Swansea City are known admirers of the England youth international and as of Tuesday afternoon, Wigan Athletic have made a loan bid in an attempt to bring Gelhardt back to the DW Stadium, having left for Leeds in 2020.

The Verdict

With rumours rife that Gelhardt will be allowed out on loan once Rutter arrives at Leeds, it is bound to cause a mad scramble for his services.

Even though he hasn’t shown much goalscoring form in the top flight, there is quite clearly a player in there and a run of games at Championship level could bring the goalscorer out in him.

And Sunderland’s interest is no surprise considering they were stung with the recall of Simms by Everton, so they need to explore the loan market again for a replacement.

Gelhardt would be a coup for Sunderland if they got it over the line, but of course nothing is ever that straight-forward when multiple clubs are keen.