Leeds United continue to be linked with a move for Wigan Athletic striker Joe Gelhardt
Due to Latics' financial difficulty, the Whites are reportedly close to securing a deal worth £1million for the teenager who was previously valued in the region of £5 million, meaning he could leave for a fifth of that.
The teenager is considered one of Wigan’s brightest prospects and LeedsLive understands there could be progress on a move this week, but Everton and Rangers are said to also be interested.
If Gelhardt was to join Leeds, supporters will be looking forward to seeing the 18-year-old holding the shirt at his unveiling - but what squad number could the striker take at Elland Road?
Since breaking into the first-team picture at Wigan, Gelhardt has worn the number 38 shirt. At Leeds, the incumbent no. 38 is Alfie McCalmont, and the 20-year-old made two senior appearances in the 2019/20 campaign.
The central midfielder has been touted as a potential Marcelo Biesla project and is certainly one for the future.
This means Gelhardt will only receive his favoured number if a decision is made to loan out McCalmont next season or if he decides to relinquish his current shirt.
With that said, what other squad numbers will be available to Gelhardt if he does sign for the Whites at some point in the summer?
Below we take a look to see what numbers are currently free at Elland Road.
No.5
Ben White's loan spell has come to an end, meaning the no.5 shirt is now vacant. Although, Leeds are keen on bringing him back to Elland Road on a permanent basis.
No.8
The departure of Vurnon Anita a couple of summers ago means that the number 8 shirt is now available to any potential new signings.
No.12
Laurens De Bock is set to remain at Zulte Waregem for another season, so the no.12 set to be up for grabs once again for the 2020/21 campaign.
No.14
Eddie Nketiah's loan spell ended early as he returned to Arsenal in January and the shirt number he left behind remains vacant.
No.16
A shirt number that has not been in use since the 2016/17 season when Matt Grimes was at the club.
No.18
Pontus Jansson left the club after making the permanent switch to Brentford last summer.
No.20
Tom Pearce vacated this shirt number upon leaving for Wigan Athletic last summer.
No.21
Dominic Matteo and Anthony Yeboah have both worn this shirt number for Leeds United in the Premier League.
No.24
It could be three seasons in a row in which this shirt number remains unused if not taken this summer.
No.26
Liam Bridcutt last wore this shirt number in the 2017/18 campaign.
No.27
Robbie Fowler, Lucas Radebe and Kalvin Phillips are among those to have worn the no.27 for Leeds, but it's not been used since Jamal Blackman returned to Chelsea.
The decision not to sign Jean-Kévin Augustin permanently means the no.29 shirt is available.
