Brighton are still hoping to reach an agreement with Leeds United to sign Georginio Rutter after failing in a £30 million bid earlier this summer.
On the current episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior journalist Pete O’Rourke stated that Brighton is still negotiating with the Frenchman in order to sign him before the transfer window closes.
It is reported that the Premier League club is preparing a new bid for the Leeds player as they attempt to complete the deal.
Former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson earlier told Football Insider that Brighton was expected to return with a higher bid for the forward.
Despite signing Yankuba Minteh and Ibrahim Osman this summer, new Brighton manager Fabian Herzeler is looking to strengthen his attacking options at the AMEX.
Brighton is interested in Rutter’s versatility, which allows him to play across the front line and as a number 10.
Brighton are interested in signing. Georginio Rutter of Leeds United
Rutter joined Leeds from Hoffenheim in January 2023 for a club-record sum of £36 million, and has since made 64 appearances for the club.
In his first full season at Elland Road, the Frenchman scored eight goals and supplied 16 assists, helping the club reach the playoff final before losing to Southampton.
Rutter is not the only player being linked with a move away from Elland Road; clubs are also looking at Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto.
After failing to achieve promotion from the Championship last season, Daniel Farke’s side is bracing for interest in its top players, having already lost Archie Gray to Tottenham.
Farke and the Leeds board remain confident in their ability to keep their key players if no acceptable bids are received, but they will be put to the test.
The Seagulls’ last offer was turned down because Leeds thought it did not match their valuation, but an improved deal could test their commitment.
Brighton, meanwhile, dropped out of the top half of the Premier League last season after being pipped by rivals Crystal Palace, but are eager to improve ahead of the new season.
Playing in the Europa League last season, along with an injury crisis, exposed the squad’s lack of depth, something the recruitment staff is now attempting to address.
