Leeds United want Bundesliga attacker ‘now’ as talks begin over €30-40m transfer

Joe Williams
Leeds target Georginio Rutter celebrates scoring a goal

Premier League side Leeds United want to sign Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter as soon as possible, according to reports.

Rutter came through the youth ranks at French side Rennes before making the move to Germany after just four Ligue 1 appearances.

Hoffenheim paid around €500k for the France under-21 international and he’s settled in nicely to life in Germany with 11 goals and four assists in 57 Bundesliga appearances.

26 of those appearances have been from the start and the 20-year-old ha impressed Leeds enough for the Yorkshire club to enter into talks with Hoffenheim over a transfer.

Leeds have scored 25 goals in 17 Premier League appearances – with Rodrigo scoring ten of those –  and they are looking to add another forward to their ranks in an effort to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.

In exclusive news, Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg claims Leeds are looking to seal a “massive deal” for Rutter “now”.

Plettenberg said on Twitter: “Leeds United wants him 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.”

Leeds have failed to win in their three Premier League matches since the World Cup break with a loss to Manchester City followed by back-to-back draws with Newcastle United and West Ham.

Jesse Marsch’s side are now 14th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone, but the Leeds boss is hoping an FA Cup run could spark some momentum.

Marsch, whose Leeds team face Championship Cardiff City on Sunday, told reporters: “Talking about raising trophies right now – we’re not at that stage as a club, but you don’t do this without that kind of focus in mind.

“We’re continuing to try to build a process here that’s about improvement, week by week, year by year.

“But, you know, even seeing what Crystal Palace did last year (they reached the semi-finals), I think for people it’s still is a reminder that the possibilities are there, but you have to just take it one step at a time.”

Leeds have fallen at the first hurdle in each of the last five seasons and Marsch is keen to advance as far as possible.

Marsch added: “The strategy for this match is certainly, with enough break in between (the next league game), to get as many guys prepared to play as possible and then to make sure we have a team that will go after it in every way.”

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