Hull City‘s interest in signing Joe Gelhardt has been given a handy boost as it was revealed that Leeds United have lowered their asking price.
The Tigers signed the 23-year-old on loan in January and became a key figure for Ruben Selles’ side as they narrowly beat the drop on the final day by securing a point against Portsmouth. He played 20 times and scored five times, including a brace against Preston North End.
Leeds Lower Valuation
According to Hull Live, Leeds United have significantly lowered their asking price for Gelhardt as they gear up for Premier League football, and are seemingly content to let the former Wigan Athletic man to depart Elland Road. The original fee, believed to be in the region of £7 million or more, has been reduced to just £3 million.
The report states that the initial valuation was too much for Hull to consider Gelhardt as a realistic signing this window, but now with a lower price has brought The Tigers back into the fold alongside other Championship sides. Selles, who was sacked by owner Acun Ilicali despite avoiding relegation, had previously expressed interest in a second stint for the forward, likely on a season-long loan.
City are still managerless, but it is widely expected that Bosnian coach Sergej Yakirovic is set to take charge in the coming days. It is a summer of change in East Yorkshire, with key players like Joao Pedro, Steven Alzate and Gustavo Puerta all tipped with moves away. They are yet to make any official transfer business, but reports have linked Hull with former Sheffield United men John Lundstram and Oli McBurnie.
Writers’ View
A lower transfer fee for Joe Gelhardt will be a very encouraging sign for Hull City to make a move for their former loanee. He seems to be out of the picture for Daniel Farke and Leeds, so he needs to move elsewhere for more playing time. Hull, should they be willing to fork up the reported fee of £3 million, will feel best placed to secure his signature due to how well his loan spell went on Humberside. Alongside Abu Kamara, The Tigers will have brilliant support for whoever ends up being the starting striker next season.
