Rangers are reportedly among a host of clubs interested in signing Leeds United forward Joe Gelhardt on loan during the January transfer window.

The statistics make bleak reading for under-pressure manager Philippe Clement, whose Rangers side have managed just 17 goals in 12 Scottish Premiership matches this season. That tally is identical to relegation-threatened St Johnstone, highlighting the team’s lack of firepower. Summer signing Cyriel Dessers has struggled to make an impact, while Danilo, a £6 million recruit, has endured a frustratingly injury-hit spell at Ibrox.

Hamza Igamane has been called upon to fill the gap but, at just 22, the inexperienced Moroccan has faced a steep learning curve. Clement previously admitted that Igamane needed to adapt to the “physical level” of Scottish football following his summer arrival. Rangers appear keen to bolster their attacking options, with 22-year-old Gelhardt emerging as a target. According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, “as many as 10 clubs” have expressed interest in the forward, who is expected to be available for a loan move.

Gelhardt has struggled for game time under Leeds boss Daniel Farke, featuring in just four Championship matches this season, all as a substitute. His sole start came in an EFL Cup tie against Middlesbrough back in August. Interest in Gelhardt extends beyond Rangers, with several English Championship sides and clubs overseas also vying for his signature.

This isn’t the first time Gelhardt has been linked with a move to Glasgow. Last January, Celtic appeared poised to sign him on loan, but the deal fell through due to Leeds reaching their quota of foreign loanees. With Gelhardt reportedly eager for more game time, there is “enthusiasm on the player’s side” to leave Elland Road in January.

Meanwhile, Josh Doig is another player previously linked with a move to Ibrox. The former Hibs defender instead left Hellas Verona for Sassuolo last January. Reflecting on the speculation, Doig told Rangers News: “I didn’t really want to hear anything unless the deal was done. I couldn’t sit here and say how close it got. But was it flattering? 100 per cent.”

He continued: “Growing up, Rangers and Celtic were the two biggest teams you could play for in Scotland. But I feel like I’ve just got out of Scotland, and I’m enjoying broadening my horizons. Football allows you to do that.”