Georginio Rutter agrees personal terms with Leeds United as striker sits out of training

News has broken rapidly over the last 24 hours as a deal appears to be close for Leeds United to sign Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim.

The 20-year-old has reportedly agreed personal terms with The Whites and has been subject to an official announcement from Hoffenheim’s chairman regarding the attacker’s future.

“Georgi is confronted with a major issue that occupies him intensely,

“He’s a very young man, so it’s understandable that he’s concerned about the current situation.

“From our side, this is about dealing with a young person responsibly and so we have decided that he should not train fully with the team at the moment.”

“Obviously there has been tremendous interest in such a talented player not only since yesterday. You don’t have to be an expert to know this.

“There is currently more than one club that is trying hard to get the player. Ultimately we have to decide what is best for TSG Hoffenheim under the given circumstances. But it is also important to include the thoughts of Georginio and those around him, because after all we are not talking about a piece of furniture here, but about the future of a young person.”

The Frenchman, and international teammate of Illan Meslier, primarily plays as a number nine, scoring two goals and assisting two from 15 appearances this season. Last season, Rutter managed to contribute eight goals and four assists in the Bundesliga along with an assist in the German Cup, all coming within 36 outings.

European publications suspect the price tag to be in the region of £25m - £30m, a hefty price tag which seems to largely be a premium on the youngster’s potential.