Championship boss rules out January transfer move for 'fantastic' Leeds United player

Portsmouth boss John Mousinho has ruled out a January move for out-of-favour Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt. Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting the Championship strugglers were among a raft of clubs interested in exploring a potential loan deal for the 22-year-old.

Rangers, Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Preston North End and a pair of Belgian clubs are also rumoured to be keeping a close eye on Gelhardt's situation. But Mousinho has rubbished speculation linking Pompey to Gelhardt.

He told The News: "There’s nothing in that one [Gelhardt] and nothing has crossed my desk on that. He’s a fantastic player. I know he’s not been playing this season, but there’s nothing to give you on that one.”

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It has been a season to forget for Gelhardt. He has fallen down in the pecking order for a starting spot, featuring just three times across all competitions.

Gelhardt was left out of the matchday squad again for Tuesday's comfortable win over Luton Town. His last Whites outing came away to Norwich City on October 1. A number of niggly injuries has also limited Gelhardt's game time this season.

"Obviously Joffy was struggling also with a few minor injuries in the last weeks," said United manager Daniel Farke. "It's also tough, because he's such a top class character and gives everything in each of the training sessions.

"I love to have him around. He's homegrown. In each of the training sessions, he puts his heart really out. But the truth also, there's lots of quality options in this position. He has played obviously also for us and for this club a bit more like a winger who comes inside. On the winger positions we have Daniel James, we have Manor Salomon, we have Largie Ramazani and Willy Gnonto. He has also played a bit like a like a like a striker a bit like a loose striker and we have there at the moment Joel Piroe, who has scored many goals, we've got Mateo Joseph and we must not forget Patrick Bamford right now, also with lots of lots of quality and a crucial player and thank God he's on his way to stay fit and to gain his fitness back. I can't always take four strikers with us.

"It's tough for [Gelhardt], but I have to praise him for his attitude and his workload and training performances. So we also need this. And he has to make sure that he prepares himself for the moment when the chance will come. Sometimes there is a chance out of injuries, illnesses, bookings, or perhaps when a player has perhaps a poorer period and is not delivering. Then his time will come."