Leeds' Joe Gelhardt explains Sunderland transfer after turning down other Championship offers in January

The 20-year-old forward joined the Black Cats on loan from Leeds until the end of the season and made his debut during a 1-1 draw against Millwall at The Den.

Wigan and Blackburn were both interested in Gelhardt during the January transfer, while there was also a late attempt from Middlesbrough to sign him.

“I didn’t hear much about it to be honest until late on,” Gelhardt told the Echo when asked about interest from elsewhere.

“I heard there were a few clubs interested and there were a few I could choose from, but I met the manager here and he told me about the project and that was it from there.

“As soon as I had the conversation I knew I wanted to come here and I’m happy I made the decision, it’s a great club with big ambition.”

"Obviously as a young player it’s good to see the manager put trust in young players. The style of play and stuff it’s exciting and is something I’d like to be a part of.”

Gelhardt signed for Sunderland a day before the club’s FA Cup tie at Fulham, when the Black Cats’ top scorer Ross Stewart suffered a season-ending injury.

Mowbray had hoped the pair could play together, with Gelhardt operating in a slightly deeper role as he did at Leeds.

But, after Sunderland failed to sign another striker on the final day of the transfer window, the 20-year-old is the squad’s only recognised centre-forward.

“I’m not completely sure,” replied Gelhardt when asked if his role could change following Stewart’s injury.