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Deal for forward could be dead as target signs new deal

By Russell Hughes

CHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Joe Gelhardt of Wigan Athletic controls the ball during the FA Youth Cup match between Liverpool and Wigan Athletic at Swansway Stadium on February 13, 2019 in Chester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
CHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Joe Gelhardt of Wigan Athletic controls the ball during the FA Youth Cup match between Liverpool and Wigan Athletic at Swansway Stadium on February 13, 2019 in Chester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /
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Could the deal for Liverpool transfer target Joe Gelhardt be dead after the forward signed a new deal with his club?

The Mirror has reported that the Reds want to do a deal for Gelhardt, but will face competition from Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea and Tottenham. However, Wigan Today has broke the news that the forward has signed a new ‘long term deal’.

Joe Gelhardt has already captained England U18s and manager Paul Cook has handed the forward his first team debut. The 17-year-old has scored once this season after coming off the bench against Hull City and executive chairman Darren Royle has labelled Gelhardt an ‘exciting talent’.

Apparently he would cost around £5 million, but this new long term contract could put a stop to that for the time being.

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With 120 minutes of Championship action under his belt, Wigan manager Cook has introduced the Liverpool born player to the squad slowly with six appearances in 11 games.

If the Reds can get Gelhardt into their squad, it would mark another exciting acquisition for the youth side. Harvey Elliot has joined from Fulham, while Ki-Jana Hoever was signed from Ajax.

But with Rhian Brewster and Paul Glatzel already in the squad, how many opportunities to play would there be?

The success of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the recent first team debuts of Neco Williams, Elliot, Brewster and Sepp van den Berg will give youth talent a visible path from the Academy to the first team.

City can’t offer that right now, Chelsea are able to but how much longer will that last when their transfer ban is over? Tottenham aren’t in a great place right now and Liverpool are streets ahead of Spurs as an attractive proposition for starlets. And Everton? Best not talk about them.

Next. Three reasons why Liverpool shouldn’t pursue Ryan Fraser transfer in winter market. dark

The Premier League returns to action this weekend as Liverpool face Crystal Palace on Saturday the 23rd.