JOE Gelhardt is unlikely to return to Sunderland next season - unless Leeds United pull off a miraculous final day escape in the Premier League.

Gelhardt spent the second half of the season on Wearside and although he impressed Tony Mowbray, the loan move didn't work out as initially planned. Sunderland had high hopes for the 21-year-old playing off a central striker but after Ross Stewart suffered a season-ending injury in January and the Black Cats failed to bring in a replacement, the Leeds youngster had to lead the line.

Stewart is on course to return in pre-season and Sunderland will also prioritise the signing of at least one striker this summer. Mowbray would also be keen on the idea of bringing Gelhardt back next season if the opportunity of another loan presented itself.

But if, as looks likely, Leeds are relegated to the Championship, the former Wigan youngster is almost certain to be part of next season's plans at Elland Road and the Whites would obviously be reluctant to strengthen a promotion rival with a player who knows the division well.

To survive on the final day, Sam Allardyce's side need to beat Tottenham while also relying on Everton to lose at home to Bournemouth and Leicester failing to beat West Ham United.

Gelhardt was incredibly sought-after in the second tier in January when it became clear Leeds were willing to sanction a loan move, with Sunderland beating several of their rivals to the capture of the young forward.

He scored three goals and registered three assists in his 18 appearances for the Black Cats, helping Mowbray's side reach the Championship play-offs.

He posted a farewell on social media this week, saying: “Thank you everyone I enjoyed every minute."

Quizzed on Gelhardt's future and the prospect of re-signing the forward in the summer, Mowbray said last month: "If it was a possibility it's something...but there are a lot of things in the way,.

"I would assume that young Gelhardt would want to go back to his parent club, wherever they're going, and play games, get a feel - the kid doesn't even know what league they're going to be in at this moment. We all like him.

"For next year, that's Leeds' call and the player's call, but I've enjoyed working with him because as we all see, there have been days when it hasn't gone to plan for him, but he's still worked and chased and fought and you can never knock a player who does that for you."

Leeds could have desperately done with Gelhardt being available to play against Tottenham on Sunday, with Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo both major injury doubts.

Boss Allardyce said: "If both are missing, it (staying up) is a big ask. Fact. I can't hide that. I might have to play a completely different system."