Sunderland look to have reportedly won the hotly contested race to sign Leeds United youngster Joe Gelhardt on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. According to The Athletic, the Black Cats have now reached an agreement with Leeds to bring Gelhardt to Wearside and the player is expected to undergo a medical at the Academy of Light tomorrow.
Last week, the 20-year-old looked set to return to his former club Wigan Athletic, but a move back to the DW Stadium failed to come to fruition. Gelhardt burst onto the scene with the Latics despite scoring just one goal in 21 outings for Wigan, he was quickly snapped up by Leeds in 2020.
The young striker has scored two Premier League goals in 20 games for Leeds last season, but has not scored in 15 outings this term - with the majority of his top flight appearances have come from the bench. Joffy, as he's known among the Whites faithful, scored twice in the win over Tranmere Rovers in the EFL Trophy earlier this season.
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A number of Championship clubs, including Wigan and Blackburn Rovers were keen on a move for Gelhardt. But it's Sunderland who are reportedly set to win the race.
The Black Cats have been desperate to sign a striker, having seen Ellis Simms recalled by Everton at the beginning of the transfer window, leaving Ross Stewart as the only out-and-out striker at the club. Tony Mowbray's side are in the hunt for the play-offs and have a growing reputation for developing young talent.
The Wearsiders head coach has done well throughout his career when it comes to bringing young players through the system.
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