Preston North End made an approach to sign Leeds United wonderkid Joe Gelhardt on loan – but were blocked from landing him.
That’s according to a report from The Athletic, who claim that Preston made a move to take Gelhardt on loan during the last transfer window.
Stoke City joined Preston with an offer of their own, but both clubs received the same response – Gelhardy was going nowhere.
Leeds felt that, whilst Gelhardt had to be patient, he would be close enough to the first team to keep at Elland Road.
Gelhardt has been compared to Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, even being called ‘brilliant’ by Jamie Carragher.
Capable of playing up front or out wide, Gelhardt is a huge talent and could have been an exciting capture for Preston.
Some will remember how the 19-year-old came on for Wigan Athletic against Preston in February 2020 and wreaked havoc.
The teenager has recently been praised having dazzled against Wolves, winning a late penalty to rescue a 1-1 draw.
That kind of ability is what Preston were seeking, but it’s no great surprise that Leeds said no as Gelhardt starts his path to stardom.