Daniel Farke admits striker Joe Gelhardt is a candidate to leave Leeds United in the January transfer window, with Hull City in talks over a loan deal for the 22-year-old.

Gelhardt has found first team opportunities limited at Elland Road this season, playing just nine minutes of Leeds' Championship campaign so far, and was on the bench at the MKM Stadium on Saturday as City roared back from 3-1 down to snatch a point in a pulsating Yorkshire derby.

Hull Live understands that the Liverpool-born forward is keen on moving to City, but may have to be patient to get the deal over the line with Leeds considering their options after the latest setback for Patrick Bamford, who is facing another few weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring complaint.

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Speaking ahead of Leeds' Elland Road clash with near neighbours Harrogate Town in the third round of the FA Cup this weekend, Farke says a decision will need to be made over Gelhardt's future, but says whatever outcome the Whites reach will be in the best interests of the club.

"I won't do any name-dropping today," the German said when quizzed about the striker's future. "Joffy (Gelhardt) is a candidate (to leave) as he hasn't played that much, but who goes out? We will make some decisions that are beneficial for us in the coming weeks. You can maybe expect one or two younger players to go out on loan, that makes sense and we'll make a decision in the coming days.

"I have an open relationship with him (Gelhardt) and have made it clear I rate him. 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.

"Younger players (could leave) for their development if it makes sense to send them out on loan. We will assess the rehab of Patrick (Bamford) and how that progresses, but overall, we are in a very good position, and I expect a very quiet January. We have (Joel) Piroe, Joseph (Gelhardt), young prospects and (Wilfried) Gnonto could play striker. We are not in panic mode."