West Brom have emerged as a potential suitor for Leeds United outcast Joe Gelhardt as he nears a January exit from Elland Road, according to Alan Nixon.

The Sun journalist revealed via his Patreon [January 14] that Carlos Corberan would “love” to sign the Leeds striker on loan, having worked with him during his time at Elland Road.

Nonetheless, it is recognised that Leeds would anticipate that any prospective Championship promotion competitors would pay his entire salary through the completion of the campaign. It might be more practical to go to Scotland, where Rangers and Celtic would be nearby.

“West Brom are the latest club to take an interest in Leeds United’s out-of-favour forward Joe Gelhardt,” Nixon wrote.

“Carlos Corberan would love to have Gelhardt on loan; but, Leeds demands full pay from any prospective challenger for promotion. The two worked together at Elland Road.

Disappointing return

Gelhardt’s trade could be severely hampered by the Baggies’ present ownership problems. The Hawthorns club, owned by Lai Guochuan, is in serious financial trouble and is seeking a buyout offer.

According to BBC Sport, Guochuan most recently took out a second loan in addition to his earlier £20 million loan to assist in “funding the football club’s general business operations.”

West Brom may decide against signing Gelhardt on loan in order to prevent any more financial difficulties because Leeds wants any prospective suitor to pay the striker’s whole salary in January.

Furthermore, if Leeds is anxious for the young striker to get crucial playing time away from Elland Road, they should definitely go elsewhere, given West Brom is one of their primary opponents for Premier League promotion this season.

Only eight games have been made by the 21-year-old under Daniel Farke since he returned from his season-long loan with Sunderland the previous year. Instead of staying in the Championship, a move to Celtic or Rangers may represent a new beginning for the young player.

In related developments:

Arsenal and Leeds United are battling it out for Serie A defender