Dan Bardell has urged Leeds United to maintain Georginio Rutter, despite getting a bid from the Premier League this summer.
LeedsLive columnist Beren Cross said earlier this month (2 July) that the Whites had turned down a £30 million bid from Brighton for the 22-year-old.
The writer also told LeedsLive (4 July) that the Frenchman has “no appetite” to leave Elland Road during the summer season.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT analyst Bardell believes Leeds must keep Rutter, particularly after losing Archie Gray to Tottenham.
In an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News, Bardell stated: “You don’t want a summer full of despair.
“After losing Archie Gray, Leeds fans would have expected some good news. Rutter’s stay is fantastic news.
“He is clearly a terrific player with a lot of potential and a high ceiling. He performed admirably last season following a difficult first half season in the Premier League with Leeds.
“You can’t rule out that they won’t lose any more players but they will be pleased that it looks like Rutter will be staying.”
Leeds United to keep Georginio Rutter
The Frenchman joined the Whites when they were in the Premier League but had little beneficial impact as relegation was guaranteed.
There was little optimism that Rutter could regain form in the Championship, but that was not the case last season.
The 22-year-old dominated the second tier, forming a lethal tandem with Crysencio Summerville at Elland Road.
He scored six and assisted 15 league goals [FotMob], but Leeds were unable to secure promotion in the end.
With the Dutchman linked away and Gray having gone, Whites fans will want to see Daniel Farke retain his top players.
If Rutter continues beyond this summer, his chances of promotion to the Premier League next season will automatically increase.