Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch played a straight bat and refused to be drawn on the possibility of Joe Gelhardt leaving the club on loan this month.
Reports emerged over the weekend linking Swansea City with a move for the young Whites striker, who is attracting lots of interest in his services. The Athletic namechecked Swansea as admirers of the 20-year-old, with head coach Russell Martin keen to add to his attacking ranks this month, with doubts growing over the futures of Michael Obafemi and Jamie Paterson in SA1.
Gelhardt was included in Leeds' team that faced Cardiff in the FA Cup on Sunday, and Marsch was quizzed on the youngster's short-term future after the game.
Asked whether he would be loaned out before the window closes, the American replied: "I don't want to discuss that. We really like Joffy.
"When they are so compact, it's not easiest for him to find a game. The whole first half it's hard to pinpoint one thing. It was just not in sync, not aggressive enough. Not the full understanding of what this game was going to require. That's why the subs came on and made an impact."
Leeds are hunting down Hoffenheim's France Under-21 international Georginio Rutter, which could further block Gelhardt's path to a regular starting spot at Elland Road.
The Athletic state Leeds are understood to have received "significant amounts of Championship interest" in Gelhardt, and add Rutter's arrival could prompt discussions over a possible move away for the former Wigan product.
Martin said after his side's 1-1 draw with Bristol City on Sunday that additions in the final third are clearly needed.
"I think today highlights the areas we want to work on and why. It's really clear," added the head coach.
"We like the shape because there's no round pegs playing in square holes, but we need a few more options at the top end of the pitch.
"January is so difficult to predict. I can't see anything happening imminently, but that can change. We'll continue to work really hard to try and make it happen."
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