Leeds United are in advanced talks to extend Joe Gelhardt's contract at Elland Road, according to reports...

What's the word?

Although the 20-year-old still has two years to run on his current contract, Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth believes that a new deal could be finalised as early as next week.

It is thought to have been in the pipeline for 'some time'.

Gelhardt joined the Whites from Wigan Athletic in August 2020 and he has since represented England U19s and U20s.

Dream deal

The young striker has struggled for game-time since his arrival but he did initially join the youth setup rather than the first team. Last season, however, he got something of a chance due to Patrick Bamford's persistent injury problems.

It was Gelhardt who handed manager Jesse Marsch the first three points of his tenure, bagging a last-gasp winner against Premier League relegation rivals Norwich City. That was one of his ten appearances under the American in 2022 and evidently, he's part of the long-term vision of the club.

As such, extending his contract will be something of a dream deal for the club, tying him down to match their plans.

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For the U23s, Gelhardt has little left to prove, having bagged a whopping 18 goals and six assists across 28 appearances, via Transfermarkt. He could now be in line for a continued run in the senior setup.

He's more than held his own in the big time, even scoring a sublime goal against Chelsea, who were Champions League holders at the time. He beat their defence with a well-timed run in behind, whilst his display at home to Brighton earned praise from Paul Merson, who said on Sky Sports (via MOT Leeds News):

"Gelhardt has done a bit of skill, if Messi would have done it you'd be going mad. Unbelievable by the kid under pressure. Look at that, that is an unbelievable bit of play."

Elsewhere, fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp has dubbed him a "human wrecking ball", with LeedsLive journalist Beren Cross also describing his potential and talent as "absolutely outrageous".

Gelhardt's value has skyrocketed since his emergence at Leeds - aged 17, he was worth just £675k by Transfermarkt, but that has risen to £6m, according to CIES Football Observatory, an increase of 789%.

It's no wonder that the Yorkshire giants want to tie him up for the long term. He is the future.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops big Leeds transfer claim...