Late in the summer transfer season, it was claimed that Ipswich were interested in signing Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt on loan.
The striker spent the second half of last season on loan with Sunderland in the Championship, where he helped them reach the play-offs.
However, no deal would come to fruition for Gelhardt at that stage, but given that the 21-year-old had appeared in just six of Leeds’ 25 Championship games this season, starting only twice, another loan move at the turn of the year would undoubtedly make sense.
Regardless, it appears that any plans Ipswich may have to rekindle their interest in the Leeds player once the market reopens are unthinkable.
Accepting such a deal would boost Elland Road’s direct challenger for automatic promotion back to the Premier League.
That might be an expensive decision if Gelhardt contributes winning goals for the Tractor Boys, putting them out of reach of Leeds in the battle for a promotion spot.
Not only could this prevent the Whites from regaining their place in the top flight of English football, but it would also raise many questions about the decision-makers at Elland Road for authorizing the deal in the first place.
Another issue they may wish to avoid following their relegation from the Premier League last season is a situation like this.
Meanwhile, given that Gelhardt has been linked with Championship clubs such as Blackburn, Hull, and Preston, who are not currently competing for automatic promotion, Leeds have the option of sending the striker elsewhere to gain game time in the division without boosting a direct rival.
With all of this in mind, it appears that, while Ipswich may need a striker in January given the circumstances, a deal for Gelhardt is one that Leeds just cannot afford to miss out on.
