Rangers set sights on Leeds forward, 49ers could play role in deal

Rangers are reportedly monitoring Hull City striker Joe Gelhardt ahead of the summer, journalist Alan Nixon has revealed.

The Ibrox side are keen to bolster Danny Rohl’s squad and have identified the 23-year-old as a potential attacking addition. Gelhardt, on loan from Leeds United until 2027, has impressed in the Championship this season, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 33 appearances.

Rangers could explore either a loan or permanent move, potentially facilitated by the shared 49ers ownership linking the two clubs. Hull City would prefer to retain Gelhardt next season, but that may hinge on their ability to secure Premier League promotion. Currently, Sergej Jakirovic’s side sit fifth in the Championship, five points off the top two with six games remaining.

Gelhardt first joined Hull in January 2025, netting five goals in 20 appearances in the previous campaign. This season, he ranks joint-fourth among Championship top scorers, behind only Swansea’s Zan Viptonik, Coventry’s Haji Wright, and Ipswich’s Jack Clarke.

Meanwhile, Rangers’ hopes of retaining Mikey Moore for next season face uncertainty. The 18-year-old has impressed on loan at Ibrox with eight goal contributions in 27 league games but has expressed a desire to break into the Tottenham Hotspur first team. Moore told The Athletic he wants to make an impact in the Premier League, whether next season or shortly after.