Leeds United 26/27 opponents' overspend issue could delay potential Elland Road transfer deal

Hull City's Wembley play-off final win guaranteed them a reunion with near-neighbours Leeds next season in the top flight, but there is a slight sting in the tail for the Tigers. Owner Acun Ilicali told a supporters event earlier in June that the club has overspent and will need to sell players before July 1 to avoid a possible points deduction. Leeds faced a similar situation in the Championship when they failed to win their own Wembley final and sold Archie Gray to Spurs for £40m prior to the Profitability and Sustainability Rules reporting deadline.

With Hull's focus primarily on shifting players in order to redress their overspend, it will almost certainly put a hold on their incoming transfer business and the possibility of making one of last season's loan stars a permanent signing. Leeds attacker Joe Gelhardt made himself right at home in Hull, scoring 10 goals before Christmas for his loan club. An injury disrupted his season and he struggled to hit the same heights in the second half of the campaign, finding the net just four more times in the lead up to the play-offs. He did, however, score the goal that made safe Hull's play-off semi-final victory over Millwall and ensured a place in the Wembley final against Middlesbrough. His final tally of 15 goals and five assists might be enough to convince Hull he is a player they should take with them into their Premier League survival fight.

There is just one year left on the 24-year-old's contract and a permanent exit is all-but inevitable given his lack of opportunity at Leeds and the three loan moves he has made in the last three years. Other loanees looking at possible departures from Elland Road this summer include Max Wober, who also has a year left on his current deal, Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt.