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Rangers transfer target 'undergoing' Leeds United exit medical after 49ers used to spark Ibrox hijack attempt Light Blues set to lose out on long-term target Rangers transfer target Joe Gelhardt is on the verge of leaving Leeds United for Hull City, as the English striker is reportedly ‘undergoing’ his Tigers medical. The Light Blues were hoping to take advantage of Leeds’ links to the 49ers Enterprise - the US consortium which holds significant ownership control over both clubs - to strike a deal for Gelhardt. However, now Premier League new boys Hull look to have beaten them to the punch. The 24-year old has spent the last year-and-a-half at the MKM Stadium over two loan spells and was a big part of their promotion push. It’s another hammer blow in the transfer market for Rangers boss Derek McInnes - who is tasked with replacing number nine Youssef Chermiti for the season after he picked up an ACL injury in their defeat to Hibs. Gelhardt had been a Rangers target on-and-off since 2024, but they’ll now have to look elsewhere to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch. Rangers transfer target set for Hull medical Prominent transfer journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the details of Gelhardt’s transfer, including the fee and contract length. He said via X: “Joe Gelhardt undergoing his Hull City medical Hull City today ahead of signing a 4+1 contract. £4.5m fee.” The former England youth international came through at Wigan Athletic before his transfer to Elland Road in 2020. Never quite able to break into the starting XI with Leeds, he was farmed out to Sunderland in 2023 before his short term spell with Hull. It’s no surprise Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic was pursuing his return as he scored 15 goals in their promotion-clinching season, forming a strong partnership with Rangers-daft striker Oli McBurnie in the process. Hunt for Chermiti replacement continues Ahead of Rangers’ Europa League qualification clash with Polish outfit Jagiellonia Bialystok, McInnes claimed that finding another striker is high on their list of priorities following the Chermiti news. Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke claimed Gelhardt was one of the names on the shortlist, less than 24 hours before he travelled to Hull. He said: “Rangers are making a late attempt to beat a host of clubs to the signing of Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt. Rangers are looking for attacking reinforcements following the serious knee sustained by Youssef Chermiti.” The Light Blues will now rely on club captain Lawrence Shankland to lead the line, while January signing Ryan Naderi can also perhaps expect more minutes alongside him. North Macedonian marksman Bojan Miovski has been out of the first team picture so far but could now have a part to play. The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly