Leeds United are keen on signing Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Rutter profiled

The 20-year-old is primarily an out-and-out left-footed centre-forward. A France under-21 international, Rutter has been with Hoffenheim since 2021 and has scored 11 times in 64 appearances for his current employers, while also registering eight assists.

He is valued at a career-high €16m (£13.2m) by Transfermarkt and has been hailed by former Hoffenheim manager Sebastian Hoeness, who previously said: ''Georginio is very athletic, a good striker of a football and can play in a variety of forward roles. His combination of speed, athleticism and shooting ability with both feet means he has huge potential."

The Latest: Leeds' interest in Rutter

Plettenberg was the first to share the news regarding Leeds and Rutter on Saturday. He revealed that the Whites want him immediately, adding that it could become a ‘massive deal’ and that the player is ‘open’ to a transfer.

The reporter tweeted: "News Rutter: 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."

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The Verdict: Has Orta found his man?

The Whites appear to be on the hunt for a new marquee attacker this month, and it looks as if sporting director Victor Orta may have found his man in Rutter.

He seems to be going from strength to strength, contributing to a career-best 12 league goals last season, and you’d expect that he’ll only get even better in years to come, too.

Therefore, Leeds could be securing an ideal attacking coup in both the short- and long-term with Rutter, who could battle it out with the likes of Rodrigo and Joe Gelhardt for a centre-forward berth with Patrick Bamford still sidelined through injury.