Leeds United transfer news: ‘Talks held’ as Leeds ‘join race’ for Everton target, Whites would ‘love’ raid for attacking duo

A breakthrough year in the Premier League reinforced the club’s belief that the youngster is central to their future plans.

Gelhardt, who turned 20 in May, featured 20 times in the top flight, scoring two goals and adding four assists – one of which allowed Pascal Struijk to score a vital last-gasp equaliser against Brighton as the relegation battle neared its finale.

After a stellar first year at Thorp Arch in the Under 23s, the former Wigan Athletic prospect continued to show last season that life had become comfortable in Premier League 2, scoring seven times in 10 outings.

A sensational double against Liverpool, the club he supported as a young boy, was the undoubted highlight.At first team level Gelhardt had to be patient, playing just three times in the first four months of the top flight campaign, but his chances increased as the season developed and Patrick Bamford’s injury problems stacked up.

Niggling injuries hampered Gelhardt too, yet he appeared in 10 of new head coach Jesse Marsch’s dozen games in charge, scoring a memorable late winner at Elland Road against Norwich City to give the American his first three-point haul.

Although he has two years left to run on his deal, a new contract has been on the cards for some time could be concluded next week. The forward is the first of several who will enter discussions over improved terms in the coming weeks.

Another young attacker likely to talk over his future with Leeds in the weeks ahead is Crysencio Summerville, who is not thought to be heading out on loan and so will remain part of Marsch’s first team plans.

Check out the latest Premier League transfer speculation below...