LATEST: News on Portsmouth move for Leeds United striker with Rangers, Stoke City & Co on trail

The Pompey boss has dismissed suggestions of a January bid for the in-demand front man, after reports emerged this week of a potential loan switch in the new year.

Pompey are among a swathe of sides being linked with the Scouser, with the likes of Stoke, Plymouth and Preston North End also said to be keen.

Scottish giants Rangers are also said to be in the running for the 22-year-old, who has been restricted to just two sub league outings at Elland Road this term along with a Carabao Cup start.

But Mousinho has ruled out the chance of Fratton Park being Gelhard’s destination, when the transfer window opens in less than five weeks.

Speaking to The News, the Pompey boss said: ‘Nothing in that one (Gelhardt) and nothing has crossed my desk on that. He’s a fantastic player, though I know he’s not been playing this season but there’s nothing to give you on that one.’

Pompey are known to have a swathe of January options in all departments lined up, with preparations continuing for what is likely to be a critical recruitment period in the new year.

A central defender is a priority, with Mousinho acknowledging the need for experience in that department after the latest injury blow to Conor Shaughnessy.

The forward department does look to be an area Pompey conceivably could be well stocked in for the second half of the campaign, however.

That’s with Colby Bishop’s return to action against Preston, after undergoing heart surgery in the summer. Christian Saydee, Elias Sorensen and loanee Mark O’Mahony are all other attacking options currently in Pompey’s ranks.

The Blues, of course, also have Kusini Yengi up front - though they are waiting to see the extent of an injury picked up by the Aussie on international duty.