Sheffield United & Middlesbrough must swoop for Leeds Utd outcast after Hull City revelation | OneFootball

Acun Ilicali has admitted bringing Joe Gelhardt back to Hull from Leeds isn't a priority, so Sheffield United and Middlesbrough should look to pounce.

Joe Gelhardt faces an uncertain future after helping Hull City to promotion following a successful loan move from Leeds United.

The forward was integral for the Tigers as they reached the Premier League against all odds, as he scored 15 goals in 42 games, in what was a fine individual campaign for the forward.

Yet, despite his contribution to Hull’s promotion, it remains to be seen whether he has a future with the club, and Gelhardt is currently back at Leeds.

Hull owner Acun Ilicali hasn’t ruled out the possibility of signing the 24-year-old on a permanent basis, but he made it clear to BBC Humberside that nothing is imminent, and admitted the club are prioritising ‘major’ transfers right now.

That’s probably not what Gelhardt would’ve wanted to hear, and whilst the appeal of the Tigers in the Premier League is obvious, if he isn’t a key part of the plans, the ex-Wigan man may prefer to look elsewhere.

So, there may be a window of opportunity for other clubs to seal a deal for Gelhardt, as Leeds are unlikely to stand in his way considering he is way down the pecking order and also entering the final year of his contract.

Therefore, a move is a real possibility, and here we look at TWO clubs that must try to sign Gelhardt swiftly…

Sheffield United

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It has been a frustrating summer window so far for the Blades, who sold key winger Andre Brooks to Norwich City in what was a surprise deal.

Even with Romelle Donovan joining on loan, Chris Wilder must be worried about the lack of creativity and spark in the final third, particularly as there are doubts about the future of Gus Hamer.

So, Sheffield United must be in the market for multiple attacking options, and Gelhardt would instantly improve the starting 11 at Bramall Lane.

Despite the slow start in the market, Wilder will still be targeting promotion this season, and he could be the ideal manager to make Gelhardt even better, as he will give him freedom to play and show his undoubted talent.

His ability to play in different attacking positions makes him a great option for the Blades, and from Gelhardt’s perspective, this is a move that would allow him to get the regular game time he will crave, and he could quickly become the main man at Sheffield United.

Middlesbrough

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Middlesbrough are another club who will be expecting promotion, and there will be a belief at the Riverside Stadium that they can challenge for the top two.

The reason Boro fell short in their quest to reach the Premier League last season was down to poor finishing, so adding Gelhardt, who found the net 15 times, would be a smart move.

Some may wonder where Gelhardt would fit in the 11, but he is capable of playing from the right, in an advanced midfield role, or further up, so he would back himself to become an important player, and if Morgan Whittaker departs, as has been rumoured, he would be the ideal replacement.

Another reason this would work is the style of play that Kim Hellberg demands, which is perfectly suited to Gelhardt.

Boro follow a fast, attacking game, and the Swedish boss wants technical footballers, so Gelhardt could flourish. He is comfortable on the ball, he will find spaces in the final third, and he will take risks.

With Will Lankshear through the door, Boro will hope they have the number nine to fire them to promotion, and Gelhardt would add even more quality and firepower in attack.