‘If an offer comes in’: Adam Pope shares Leeds stance over Georginio Rutter sale in January

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BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope has told the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast that “the cards” are in Leeds United’s favour when it comes to Premier League clubs trying to sign Georginio Rutter.

Rutter, 21, produced another marvellous display on Saturday as Leeds cruised to a 4-1 win over rivals Huddersfield Town at Elland Road. The £28m signing finally proving his club-record transfer fee.

Albeit, in the Championship. No doubt, that Premier League clubs will be linked with the Frenchman come the January window. But, Rutter seems happy and signed a contract until the summer of 2028.

If Leeds are going to get promoted, which looks like having a distinct possibility, then Rutter will be central to that. He needs to be kept. Pope discussed his stance, Leeds’ stance, and if we can keep him.

“Is he doing enough for a Premier League club to come in? From his own point of view he is building his confidence at Leeds, in a side that’s obviously going places and, who knows, could then get promoted.

“It’s going to be a great step in his career. If an offer comes in it has to be where Leeds don’t lose any money. They’re not keen to let him go at this stage so I think the cards are in Leeds United’s favour.

“Because if he isn’t banging goals in, is a Premier League club going to think, ‘You’re going to save our season’? He’s going to be looking at that end of the Premier League rather than the top end,” Pope said.

Adam Pope: Cards in Leeds’ favour in keeping Georginio Rutter

Leeds absolutely have to keep the Frenchman at Elland Road in January. Premier League clubs often want a goalscorer in January and his previous top-flight form, as Pope says, will surely put them off.

But, you would also say that his form in the Championship has not only been that of a good player, in a good vein of form. He is a cheat code. Rutter is teasing defenders, clearly suited to much-higher level.

If Leeds are going to get promoted, keeping Rutter is not only essential – but it is almost as if having him in the side and fit could be the difference. He has shown that already, in our 14 Championship games.