Hull City are edging closer to the signing of striker Joe Gelhardt after agreeing a deal with Championship rivals Leeds United to bring him in on loan until the end of the season.

Hull Live understands Leeds has now sanctioned Gelhardt's exit, and a deal to bring the 22-year-old to the MKM Stadium could be confirmed in the next 48 hours after he was left out of the Whites squad, which beat Harrogate 1-0 in the FA Cup on Saturday.

City have pushed hard to sign the former Wigan Athletic frontman with boss Ruben Selles targeting Gelhardt as a player he believes has significant potential, and the ability to flourish in his high-pressing, high-octane system.

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Though the striker has had a difficult time of it at Elland Road since his high-profile move from the DW Stadium to the then-Premier League Whites in 2020, Selles feels that he can tap into his potential.

Gelhardt watched on from the bench last Saturday as City fought back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 against Daniel Farke's side. It was a recovery that is thought to have impressed the frontman and rubber-stamped his desire to join the Tigers, with Selles battling hard to fight off competition from other clubs in the Championship, and north of the border.

Provided there are no late snags, Gelhardt will be signed in time to be on the trip to London on Friday afternoon and part of Selles' squad for Saturday's early kick-off at Millwall.

The Liverpool-born former England youth star could be joined by another signing on the trip to the capital. An experienced winger is closing in on a move to the MKM Stadium to join Matt Crooks, who arrived on a permanent deal from MLS side Real Salt Lake, as part of Selles' Tigers revolution.

While City boss Selles was understandably coy when asked about Gelhardt ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie with Doncaster Rovers, his Elland Road counterpart Farke was hugely complimentary about the forward.

"I have an open relationship with him (Gelhardt) and have made it clear I rate him," the German said. "It's tough on him as he is a top character with his qualities; it is just a competition thing. I have preferred to stick with Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph. It is tough for him as he works his socks off in every training session. He knows I trust him. His behaviour is unbelievable."