Leeds United target Georginio Rutter is now reportedly missing training and set to miss out on TSG Hoffenheim’s mid-season friendly on Monday after rumours that the Whites made an offer to sign the 20-year-old.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, the France youth international has been excused from training this weekend and will not feature for the Bundesliga side tomorrow in their winter break friendly against Servette FC, with L’Equipe reporting that Leeds have made an opening offer for Rutter.
As per Plettenberg, Leeds could spend as much as €40m (£35m) to sign Rutter this month, with talks progressing this weekend as Jesse Marsch looks to wrap up a deal for the attacker as soon as possible, with the Whites making excellent progress in the January window.
Rutter is expected to be Leeds’ second signing of the winter market following the arrival of RB Salzburg star Maximilian Wober, with the Frenchman expected to be a long-term replacement for the likes of Patrick Bamford and an understudy to Rodrigo.
Moreover, as per the Athletic, Rutter signing for Leeds in the coming days will also allow young striker Joe Gelhardt to leave on loan this month, with Swansea City already in talks to bring the 20-year-old Liverpool-born talent to south Wales.
Rutter could be a smart long-term signing for Leeds
A good case could be made that Leeds are in need of quick-fix signings this window, with the Whites nowhere near as safe as they wish they were in the battle to avoid relegation heading to the point of the season. However, Rutter could be a great addition for the current campaign and for the future.
After all, the forward has the potential to be part of Leeds’ senior squad for many years to come. And with Leeds in need of attacking reinforcements, anyway, Rutter could be a saviour for the Whites this season as Marsch looks to further distance himself from the relegation zone.
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