Everton wanted Georginio Rutter but missed out on the French striker as he instead left Hoffenheim for a move to Leeds United.
That’s according to iNews, who claim that Everton have missed out on a couple of new strikers early in the January window.
It’s suggested that Everton wanted to sign Danny Ings and then Frenchman Rutter, but have failed to land both.
It now looks like Ings will stay with Aston Villa whilst Rutter has decided to join Leeds rather than Everton.
Everton need to find a striker from somewhere this month with Frank Lampard in desperate need of goals.
Atalanta hitman Duvan Zapata is now being heavily linked whilst West Ham United’s Michail Antonio is another option.
Leeds signing Georginio Rutter is a double whammy for Everton
Rutter, 20, was identified by Leeds as a real talent for the future but it looks like Everton had a similar idea.
The Frenchman became a key Leeds target and they had a deal wrapped up just about a week after rumours first emerged.
Leeds have struck a deal worth up to £35million for Rutter, and he was presented as a new Whites player on Saturday night.
Rutter is an outstanding dribbler and should bring excitement to the Leeds attack for years to come.
With just two Bundesliga goals this season though, there would be an expectation that Rutter grows into a bigger goalscorer moving forward.
This ultimately feels like a double whammy for Everton.
Not only have they missed out on a talented young striker who could become a star, but one of their direct rivals in the Premier League relegation battle has picked him up.
Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen has told the club’s official website that he thinks Rutter is capable of ‘spectacular’ quality in the final third.
That’s what Everton need right now but Rutter has instead joined Leeds – and he will be looking to keep Leeds up whilst plunging Everton deeper into trouble.
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