According to Football Scotland, strict FIFA restrictions might soon put an end to rumours that Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt will join Rangers in January.
The Daily Mail first reported interest from Rangers and Celtic on January 8, with a loan move possible this month.
However, Leeds are not aiming to add Gelhardt to their roster of current loan players, as international temporary exits are limited.
Only six players can be loaned out to international clubs, which Rangers would fall into, and Leeds already has five of their relegated team out from Elland Road.
Gelhardt is thought to have a high resale value, so if the Championship team allows him to leave, a permanent move is more plausible.
Philippe Clement has made it plain that he is looking for a new striker this month, and the links have followed suit, with various names being touted.
Gelhardt was followed by Fenerbahce striker Michy Batshuayi on January 10 [Scottish Sun], and both appear to have been shut down immediately.
With Danilo out for the long term and Cyriel Dessers maybe joining Abdallah Sima in the African Cup of Nations, the need for a new acquisition grows by the day.
Sam Lammers has also left Ibrox to join FC Utrecht on loan, which should hasten any efforts to bring in another number nine.
Rangers have room to make up both domestically and in Europe, and with one piece of trophy already secured this season, they are undoubtedly on the rise.
Gelhardt may not be the only name joining, but more good news should coming shortly.
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Connor Roberts decides on Leeds United transfer, as Burnley prepares to offload Wales defender.
Leeds United have been offered the opportunity to recruit Burnley defender Conor Roberts this month, with the Clarets open to offers, according to the Mirror.
The UK tabloid outlet, writing in its print edition (11 January, page 53), states that Burnley will explore bids for the veteran defender and are willing to let him leave after falling down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany.
Roberts is believed to be interested in a transfer to Elland Road this month, and the Whites are desperately looking for a right-back after allowing Djed Spence to return to parent club Tottenham and Luke Ayling to join Middlesbrough on loan.
Get him in!
Following what has happened this month, Elland Road certainly needs a new right-back, and Roberts may be an excellent fit.
The 28-year-old is a seasoned and quite capable man, and it appears he will not mind a step down to the Championship to get some game time again, so Leeds United must seize the opportunity right now.
Farke appears to be set on playing Archie Gray as his first-choice right-back this season, and with Sam Byram as the first-choice left-back and Jamie Shackleton as a midfielder, alternatives for the second half of the season are limited.
Roberts is familiar with the league, having been promoted with Burnley last season, and is in the prime of his career, making a prospective transfer a no-brainer.
He hasn’t played much this season and may need some time to regain his sharpness and fitness, but Farke will be adding a seasoned professional to the club at a crucial time.
Losing Luke Ayling makes sense given his limited possibilities at Elland Road, but in terms of numbers, it could be a costly mistake if Farke and the 49ers Enterprises can not find a successor soon.
