Leeds United are closing in on a deal which will see Joe Gelhardt extend his stay at Elland Road.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by Football Insider, who claimed that, after highly impressing in his breakthrough season in the Whites' first team, Victor Orta is now in advanced negotiations with the 20-year-old and his representatives regarding a new contract.

The report added that the England under-21 international is not only set to see his deal extended beyond its current June 2024 expiry, but he will also receive a huge pay rise on his current £16.5k-per-week salary.

Supporters will love it

Considering just how exciting a prospect Gelhardt more than proved himself to be last season, the news that the Whites appear to be closing in on a deal which will see the centre-forward remain at Elland Road for the long-term is sure to be an update that supporters will love.

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Indeed, despite starting just five of his 20 Premier League appearances last season, the £5.4m-rated talent still managed to catch the eye, scoring two goals and registering four assists for Jesse Marsch's side and averaging a direct goal involvement for every 122 minutes of top-flight football played in 2021/22.

Furthermore, according to FBRef, the 20-year-old - who CBS Sports' Jake Winderman dubbed a "special talent" - also ranks in the top 1% of forwards in Europe's big five leagues and European competitions for pressures per 90 minutes, along with the top 4% for tackles, the top 9% for dribbles completed, the top 15% for assists, the top 16% for progressive carries and the top 24% for progressive passes over the last 365 days.

As such, it is clear to see just how promising an attacker Gelhardt undoubtedly is. We believe that, should Orta manage to get a new deal over the line for the former Wigan Athletic starlet this summer, it could well be one of the Spaniard's signings of the summer at Elland Road.

AND in other news: Orta now plotting Leeds bid for "superb" £15m "playmaker", he's the "king of assists"