- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Brighton and Hove Albion and Leeds United are now in a tug-of-war over the future of forward Georginio Rutter.
The new Premier League season is just days away and Fabian Hurzeler is looking to add to his Brighton and Hove Albion squad.
Hurzeler is just 31 but Brighton plucked him from St Pauli as the successor to Roberto De Zerbi.
The Seagulls travel to face Everton this weekend and Hurzeler is hoping to have another new face on board for the journey to Goodison Park.
HITC understands Brighton have met Georginio Rutter’s release clause of £40million and want a deal doing before their weekend Premier League opener.
Leeds United reaction to Georginio Rutter move
Brighton made their first move for Rutter in July, but Leeds United refused to do business.
The release clause has now been met though, meaning Leeds are unable to say no.
Leeds have though told Rutter, who they broke their transfer record to sign when they paid £35m for him in 2023, that they want him to stay and will offer him a new contract.
Yet without Premier League football, they are restricted in terms of what they can do.
The Whites have already lost Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur snapped up Gray whilst Summerville has signed for West Ham United with both players heading to the Premier League.
Now Rutter is considering his options but HITC is told that Brighton are confident of landing Rutter as they would not have met his clause with encouragement in the first place.
Rutter hit eight goals and 16 assists in all competitions last season, playing either as a striker or number 10.
The Frenchman came off the bench on Wednesday night as Leeds were beaten 3-0 by Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
Busy Brighton
Brighton have been ramping up recruitment plans in recent days and are having something of a bust week.
HITC reported earlier this week that Brighton had agreed a fee with Mainz for the signing of talented youngster Brajan Gruda.
That deal has now been done with Gruda completing his move on Wednesday night.
“We’re delighted to bring Brajan to the club. He’s a player we have been tracking for a while and he’s already played at a really good level in the Bundesliga,” said Brighton’s technical director David Weir.
“He is a player Fabian knows well and is really looking forward to working with,” he added.
HITC also understands that Brighton have been in talks with Celtic over a move for Matt O’Riley.
The Danish playmaker is in demand this summer with Atalanta also keen on the former Fulham talent.
Brighton have been linked with Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu too but HITC understands no offer has been made just yet.
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