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Report: Leeds steal march on Liverpool and Tottenham in Joe Gelhardt race

Joseph Gelhardt of England during the U17 International Youth Tournament game between England and Russia at New Meadow on October 14, 2018 in Shrew...
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According to the Daily Mail, Leeds United have stolen a march on a host of clubs in the race for Wigan Athletic youngster Joe Gelhardt.

It’s claimed that Liverpool, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur want to sign him, whilst Celtic are keen to take him to Parkhead.

However, it’s thought that Leeds are leading the race as things stand, having made the first move to try and sign him.

The Yorkshire Evening Post reported earlier this week that Leeds would struggle to win the race, and that Gelhardt would be considered a huge coup.

Now though, Leeds could be pushing themselves to the front of the queue in what would be a huge move for the future.

Gelhardt has been compared to Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane, and has already shown his talent in the Wigan first team.

Joe Gelhardt of Wigan Athletic is challenged by Luis Binks of Tottenham Hotspur during the FA Youth Cup: Fourth Round match between Wigan Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur at DW Stadium on… (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

18-year-old Gelhardt has bagged one goal in 18 Championship outings for the Latics, and has shown signs that he can make an impact up front or out wide.

Wigan need to raise funds given their financial issues, and Leeds may feel that they can land a real bargain by signing Gelhardt.

He would be one for the future, but Marcelo Bielsa has shown that he will give chances to young players – and the teenager could see that as a route into Premier League action.

Joe Gelhardt of Wigan Athletic vies for possession with Jake Bidwell of Swansea City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Wigan Athletic and Swansea City at The DW Stadium on… (Athena Pictures/Getty Images)