Leeds now ‘close the door’ on big money exit for 21-year-old, want to keep ‘at all costs’

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Leeds United have closed the door on a potential exit for Georginio Rutter amid interest from Lyon.

That is according to journalist Saber Desfarges, who reports talks between Leeds and Lyon over a deal for Rutter have not progressed at all.

It is said that Leeds are keen to keep Rutter at ‘all costs’ with Sky Sports reporting this week that Borussia Dortmund saw a £25 million offer rejected earlier in the window.

As per French outlet Telefoot, Lyon identified him as a top target to replace outbound winger Bradley Barcola, who is set to join PSG for big money.

But as the window moves towards the closing stages, it would appear a deal is all but off as Leeds dig their heels in over retaining Rutter.

Leeds ‘close the door’ on Rutter exit

Leeds broke their club record transfer fee to sign Rutter from Hoffenheim in January, a deal said to be worth somewhere in the region of £35 million, including add-ons.

Rutter struggled to adapt to life at Elland Road during the first few months after his move to England, with regular minutes having been few and far between.

However, under Daniel Farke, he has finally started to show signs of what he can offer Leeds, scoring his first goal in the win at Ipswich Town last weekend with a superb individual effort.

The 21-year-old appeared to have struck up a promising early understanding with new signing Joel Piroe, who also got on the scoresheet on his debut.

With so little time left in the window, Leeds could ill afford to lose a player of this calibre and it looks as though they will show their intent by keeping him.