Middlesbrough rivalling Hull City for Leeds United transfer deal | OneFootball

Out of favour Whites striker Joe Gelhardt looked set for a return to Hull, but another suitor has reportedly emerged

Middlesbrough have reportedly entered the running to sign Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt.

Boro are yet to really take off in the summer transfer window so far under new manager Rob Edwards, who has come in to replace Michael Carrick in the dugout at the Riverside Stadium.

Despite selling star striker Emmanuel Latte Lath to MLS outfit Atlanta United back in February for a club-record £22.5 million fee, the cash hasn't exactly been flowing in terms of incoming deals on Teesside this summer, with Troyes midfielder Abdoulaye Kante, Hull City centre-back Alfie Jones and Blackburn Rovers wing-back Callum Brittain all arriving.

Fans are wanting to see more signings though with the new season fast approaching, especially at the top end of the pitch with Latte Lath still not directly replaced, and Boro look likely to try and hijack a move of a Championship rival.

Middlesbrough register interest in Leeds United forward

According to a report from Leeds United News, Middlesbrough have now submitted an enquiry for Joe Gelhardt, despite Hull City being in active talks to bring the 23-year-old in for a second loan spell at the MKM Stadium.

After a period in the wilderness at Elland Road, Gelhardt arrived at Hull in mid-January 2025 to bolster their attacking unit, and his five goals in 20 Championship outings helped to guide the Tigers to safety on the final day of the 2024-25 season.

Sergej Jakirovic's side have been under transfer restrictions for much of the summer, but this week they entered talks in a bid to try and bring Gelhardt back to the club for a full season.

However, they could now be beaten to the punch by Middlesbrough, who have now enquired over a deal to try and sign Gelhardt themselves this summer.

Middlesbrough fans have been clamouring for new forwards since the start of the transfer window, yet with the season starting this weekend, they are yet to see a new attacker arrive.

A 3-4-2-1 formation has been impleneted by Rob Edwards, which is much his favoured system wherever he goes, and in that, Gelhardt could operate comfortably as one of the two number 10's - although Finn Azaz and Morgan Whittaker are likely the two starters there now - or as the central striker, but he won't get ahead of Tommy Conway if he shows last season's form.

At Hull though, Gelhardt may not find as much competition in the wide and attacking areas of the pitch, given the likes of Abu Kamara and Kyle Joseph failed to fully fire last season, and although Mohamed Belloumi and Liam Millar will soon return from long-term injuries, they will take time to get up to speed - that could give the Leeds man a clear path to stake his claim for a starting spot.