Leeds United have been linked with French striker Georginio Rutter for the best part of a year now, with the player one of those on Leeds' watchlist according to plenty of speculation. Now that speculation has become something much more concrete in Germany, at least.
The Whites are reportedly keen to land the 20-year-old from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in January, not in the summer as many would have expected when hearing of the link, given Leeds' recent record of January spending.
The Whites made their first signing earlier this week when they completed a deal for Austrian defender Maximilian Wober from Red Bull Salzburg. And now reports have emerged linking them to Rutter in what would be a huge investment.
READ MORE: Max Wober 'expressed wish' to join Leeds United as RB Salzburg search for replacement
According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Rutter is on Leeds radar with a deal worth between £25m to £35m mooted.
Plettenberg tweeted: "Leeds United wants him [Georginio Rutter] NOW! Hoffenheim is aware of the interest and it could become a massive deal. Talks around a transfer fee between €30-40m. The 20 y/o is open for the move."
While Rodrigo has impressed this term for Leeds, bagging double digit goals in the Premier League already through 16 games, the Whites know they cannot just simply rely upon the Spaniard to lead their attack.
With Patrick Bamford no longer a reliable first choice striker, Leeds have been searching for another forward to add to their squad, with Rutter now looking like their primary target.
Additionally, German outlet Kicker report the 20-year-old recently sat out of a Hoffenheim friendly due to the ongoing negotiations with the Whites.
Rutter, who is a French U21 international, has scored just two goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances this term. However, he did enjoy a breakthrough campaign last season, scoring eight league goals for Hoffenheim, helping them to a ninth placed finish.
While he is clearly not the finished prospect, Leeds interest in Rutter would fit with their recent transfer dealings of trying to sign players who can develop further into potential stars.
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