'£5m is the maximum' - Claim made on Birmingham City, Joe Gelhardt links | OneFootball

Following an excellent season with Hull City, Birmingham City have been told the maximum they should pay for Leeds United's Joe Gelhardt...

Birmingham City are one of the teams interested in Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt following his excellent loan to Hull City in the last 18 months.

Hull City are now rebuilding in the Premier League, while Joe Gelhardt is surplus to requirements for Daniel Farke and Leeds United at Elland Road. The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract in West Yorkshire, too.

Birmingham City are a club with ambitions of joining that duo in the Premier League, in spite of only having one season back in the Championship since promotion. Birmingham have been linked to Gelhardt in recent days.

The Birmingham City verdict on Joe Gelhardt's valuation

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Birmingham have been backed to sign Gelhardt, but the price to pay for his services is unclear. Some reports have suggested £3 million will be enough for Leeds to sell Gelhardt this summer.

FLW's Birmingham fan pundit Jason Moore was asked about the fact it's clear Birmingham want the forward, but what should be the maximum price Blues fork out for him in his eyes.

He replied: "It's a weird one for me because I'm quite in the camp of — it's not my money, so spend what you want.

"But I also don't want to have Birmingham City tax put onto it. I think if Leeds turn around and say that they want £5 million for him, I think, yeah, pay that.

"He's a proven Championship player, but as good as he was at Hull last season, he's had one decent season in the league.

"I think £5m is the maximum I'd say for it. You can probably go and get other players that are similar in quality for that price.

"So, yeah, anything more than £5 million and I think I'd be looking elsewhere.

"And, to be fair, from the business that Blues have done so far this summer, it looks like we might not have the money that we all thought we had.

"So, yeah, £5 million maximum."

Joe Gelhardt's career stats so far after 15-goal Hull season

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Gelhardt's contract situation at Leeds makes him a real market opportunity for Championship clubs, albeit his wages could be more of an issue than the transfer fee itself.

One of Gelhardt's biggest strengths is his versatility across the front line, making him an attractive proposition for Championship clubs due to being able to utilise him for different tactical approaches or a fresh role every other game.

Although he arguably looks most dangerous starting from the right, where he can cut inside onto his stronger left foot and drive at defenders, he is capable of leading the line or operating just behind a traditional number nine.

That flexibility allows managers to alter systems without changing personnel, while Gelhardt's close control, power, and ball-striking all ensure he can influence games in a variety of attacking roles. For prospective suitors, that adaptability only increases his appeal.

Joe Gelhardt prefers a move to Hull City this summer

One of the problems for Birmingham is that Gelhardt clearly prefers a move to Hull and East Yorkshire after impressing for two seasons on loan there. He bagged 20 in 18 months for the club.

In some ways, it's fair enough if his previous spell at Hull naturally makes the Tigers his preferred destination, but that familiarity presents Birmingham with a hurdle if both clubs pursue him and firm up their interest.

However, from a career perspective, regular starts in the Championship arguably make more sense than returning to a Premier League side where opportunities may be limited. Gelhardt spent much of his Leeds career as a squad player, often showing flashes of quality without enjoying a sustained run in the team.

At 24, consistent minutes should now be the priority, making Birmingham's project an especially attractive proposition. If he could be bought for £5 million or less and an agreement on wages can be found, then they should be excited by acquiring a player with 15 goals last term.