Leeds United land highly-rated youngster Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic

The Whites have announced the capture of Joe Gelhardt.

Leeds United have announced the capture of highly-rated Wigan Athletic youngster Joe Gelhardt for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Elland Road - which will run until the summer of 2024 - in a deal believed to be around the £1m mark.

Gelhardt made his debut for the Latics at the age of just 16 in August 2018, before featuring more regularly under Paul Cook's guidance at the DW stadium last season.

He made 19 appearances in total with two of those coming as starts and bagged his first senior goal against Hull City last September.

The forward has also been capped at England youth level across a number of age groups and was part of the Three Lions squad which made the trip to the Under-17s European Championship last year.

Gelhardt's capture is seen as a coup by the Whites with Liverpool, Everton, Tottenham and Celtic among those thought to have shown an interest in his services.

Wigan are currently in the hands of administrators Begbies Traynor, which include former Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner.

Leeds United sign Joe Gelhardt. (LUFC)placeholder image
Leeds United sign Joe Gelhardt. (LUFC)

The Latics were relegated to League One last month following a points deduction amid off-field financial trouble.

The Whites also announced the signing of Jack Harrison on Monday as the winger rejoined on a season-long loan from Manchester City with a view to a permanent move.

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