Leeds United are really only four points away from cementing their name in history.
Sunday’s last-gasp victory moved Marcelo Bielsa’s side six points clear of the playoff positions and with only three games left to play, they are in pole position to end that 16-year wait for Premier League football.
The Argentine will undoubtedly face a busy summer in trying to prepare his side for a good go at the top-flight – the less said about the Fulham’s, Norwich’s and potentially the Villa’s, the better.
And Phil Hay has revealed that the Yorkshire giants are indeed keen on one player that’s been in the headlines this week – Wigan Athletic wonderkid Joe Gelhardt.
With the Latics facing a rather precarious situation off the pitch, the club are looking to make the most from selling on their talented youngsters – the 18-year-old is wanted by the likes of Celtic and Spurs too.
In a recent Q&A, Hay said:
“We were under the impression early yesterday that he would go to Leicester. But our writer Adam Crafton says Wigan now want to see what Championship clubs are prepared to offer, presumably to maximise their income. Leeds are keen but I’m honestly not sure how much of a priority he is.”
Whilst the young prospect isn’t likely to aid Bielsa’s striking situation immediately – he could well be an interesting one for the future.
Gelhardt has received some lofty comparisons in his relatively short career to date.
The Daily Mail have called him the ‘new Wayne Rooney’ due to the pace and power he’s already possessing at such a young age whilst The Sun claim Spurs’ scouts see him as an ideal prospect that can be groomed into the ‘next Harry Kane.’
Would Joe Gelhardt be a welcome addition at Elland Road?
Yes, 100%
No way!
These suggestions aren’t exactly extraordinary either as the striker has been ripping it up for England already, albeit at youth level – he’s bagged three in six for the U18s after a spell with the U17s where he netted six goals from 14 matches.
Last year after a goal against Hull City, his manager Paul Cook said: “He’s got that unique talent to find space in a telephone box. He’s such a natural, good footballer. To get a goal like that in front of his own fans was a special moment. A lot of young footballers coming into the game are not very nice people. We’re just lucky to have a boy with his humility playing for us – the game is easy for him. He’ll be starting soon if he carries on like that. He’s a young boy that needs minding though. It’s a very special goal from a very special player.”