Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter for a club-record fee.
The 20-year-old has been identified as one of Jesse Marsch's primary targets in the January window, with the Leeds head coach keen to strengthen in the attacking department.
A recent report claims that talks between Leeds and Hoffenheim over a deal to sign the highly-rated France Under-21 international have reached an advanced stage.
Now, Sky Sports Deutschland reports that Rutter is scheduled to undergo a medical within the next 48 hours after both clubs agreed a transfer package worth up to €40m (£35.3m).
This figure would surpass Leeds' current transfer record of £27m that they paid to recruit Rodrigo from Valencia in the summer of 2020.
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Born in Paris, Rutter joined Rennes' academy in 2017 before making his professional debut for the Ligue 1 club in September 2020.
Rutter only made five senior appearances for Rennes, scoring once, before making a permanent switch to the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim in February 2021.
The youngster established himself as a first-team regular for Die Kraichgauer during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances.
Rutter has since recorded two goals and two assists in 15 German top-flight matches so far this season, with Hoffenheim currently sitting 11th in the table, seven points behind the European places.
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Rutter is set to become Leeds' second signing of the January window after the arrival of defender Maximilian Wober from Red Bull Salzburg for around £11m.
Marsch's side are also understood to hold an interest in Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres, although they may face competition from the likes of Fulham, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers for his signature.
Gyokeres, 24, has enjoyed a prolific campaign in the Championship so far this season, netting 12 times in 25 appearances, with only Middlesbrough's Chuba Akpom (13) having scored more at this stage in the second tier.
Leeds currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone, and they will make the trip to Aston Villa for their next top-flight match on Friday night.
Oliver Thomas
