Leeds United have been tipped to sell a ‘very impressive’ ace this summer as one Championship club plot a potentially ‘ambitious’ move.
Leeds brace for FA Cup clash against Norwich City
Sunday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie at Elland Road has all the ingredients for a fascinating afternoon, but Leeds will know better than to take it lightly.
Daniel Farke faces his former club Norwich City this weekend with more than just a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
The German boss is serving a touchline ban after being sent off in the aftermath of last weekend’s defeat to Man City, meaning he will have to direct operations from the stands rather than the dugout.
That added edge to an already emotionally-charged occasion is something Farke himself has acknowledged, noting — with characteristic dry wit — that his side have occasionally managed to win without him watching from the touchline.
Leeds need the distraction.
Back-to-back Premier League defeats at Elland Road, to Sunderland and Man City, have left Farke’s side just three points clear of the relegation zone, and the mood around the club is not exactly one of calm.
A cup run would do wonders for morale.
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He didn’t hold back.
The Whites have not made an FA Cup quarter-final since 2003, and having already knocked out Derby and Birmingham — both Championship outfits — another one tomorrow would add to their collection.
Norwich, managed by Philippe Clement, arrive in decent shape domestically and in the cup.
The Canaries sit 17th in the Championship, but have been emphatic in this competition — thrashing Walsall 5-1 in round three before seeing off West Brom 3-1 in round four.
They have won five of their last six in all competitions, and Clement will be desperate to land another victory in Yorkshire.
They do arrive with a crippling injury list, however, with up to 14 players sidelined for last weekend’s win against Leicester City and just one fit striker in Mathias Kvistgaarden.
Leeds will back themselves at home, as they should.
While the cup takes centre stage this weekend, there are questions to be asked about the longer-term picture at Elland Road — particularly in the striking department.
Joe Gelhardt remains on the books but continues to see his future lie elsewhere, with Hull City reportedly plotting a permanent swoop for the forward after a productive loan spell at the MKM Stadium.
The 23-year-old has scored 12 times and added four assists in the Championship this season, with Sergej Jakirovic’s side firmly in play-off contention.
Leeds tipped to sell Joe Gelhardt to Hull City after ‘impressive’ campaign
Gelhardt attracted interest from Rangers last summer, but the decision to join Hull was an excellent one.
Now, ex-Man United chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that a permanent exit from Leeds for Gelhardt is very much on the cards this summer, with Hull looking to be ambitious and potentially make his stay indefinite.
“Gelhardt is a very talented player,” Brown said.
“He’s had a good reputation for a while, but he’s never really been able to cut it at Leeds, so it’s good to see him playing well for Hull.
“There have been a lot of changes at Hull over the years, it feels like they’re busy in every transfer window, so it would be good for them to have some continuity. It would be good for Gelhardt as well, because he wasn’t getting in at Leeds and won’t want to keep bouncing around different clubs on loan.
“He’s been very impressive at Hull and they want to be ambitious, so I think it’s the best case for both of them to keep him, and I expect that’s what Hull are going to be looking to do.
“If the offer is right for Leeds, and it has to be right for them because they’ll want to reinvest and strengthen their squad, there’s a good chance it can be done.”
Leeds are expected to demand a fair fee, and quite rightly so.
Whether survival in the top flight is secured first may well determine just how ambitiously they approach the summer window.
For now, though, all eyes turn to Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
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He desperately needs a move.