Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a new club-record signing in the form of Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter.

Rutter, 20, played his junior football in France with Rennes before joining Hoffenheim as an 18-year-old in 2021.

After emerging as an impressive prospect this past season with 20 substitute appearances among his 33 total Bundesliga outings, he has now broken into the best XI, making 11 starts while taking part in all 15 league fixtures to this point.

The six-foot tall striker only has two goals and two assists to show for this campaign, but boasts an impressive highlight reel of intricate dribbling and playmaking in the final third, and has done enough to catch the eye.

TOP STORY – LEEDS LOOK TO HOFFENHEIM FOR POTENTIAL RECORD SIGNING

According to Sky Sports Germany, Rutter will cost in the range of €40million to pry away from Hoffenheim, while his contract ties him to the German side until 2026.

That figure is well clear of the €30.6m Leeds paid for Valencia forward Rodrigo in 2020, potentially shattering their club-record signing.

The report states a potential deal is close, and Rutter is expected to have a medical at Elland Road in the next 48 hours.

ROUND-UP

– Chelsea have identified 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram and 20-year-old PSV forward Noni Madueke as two key targets, per the Times.

– The Times is also reporting West Ham have renewed their interest in 25-year-old Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri, and will look to add him on loan for the rest of the season.

– According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal are getting closer to securing 21-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk for a fee believed to be around €100m.

– Tottenham will have to meet Pedro Porro's £36.7m release clause to secure the right-back this month, with The Guardian claiming Sporting are under no pressure to sell.

– Foot Mercato is reporting Wolves are interested in bringing in Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on loan until the end of the season.

Dani Olmo says he is not thinking about leaving RB Leipzig but "everything is possible".

Chelsea, Manchester United and Real Madrid are among the clubs who have been linked with a move for Olmo during the January transfer window.

The Spain international is under contract with Leipzig, who he joined from Dinamo Zagreb in 2020, until the end of next season.

Olmo stated he is not looking to leave the Bundesliga club as he prepares to resume the season after playing in the World Cup, but the 24-year-old is also not ruling out an exit.

"I have a contract until 2024. I'm not thinking about it right now, just about the next games." he told Bild. "We have three competitions ahead of us.

"Things happen so quickly in football, things can change all the time. We won the DFB-Pokal last season, and we want to do everything we can again this season to play for titles again.

"I have my advisor who takes care of it. I only focus on football. I've talked to Max Eberl [Leipzig's director of sport] quite a few times, but so far not on the subject.

"Maybe we'll talk about that again here in the training camp. We'll see what happens. Everything is possible."

Olmo has scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions for Leipzig this season.

Besiktas have denied "completely untrue" reports on-loan striker Wout Weghorst is close to joining Manchester United.

Netherlands international Weghorst emerged as a surprise target for United last week as manager Erik ten Hag widens his search for a new attacking player.

The 30-year-old has impressed for Besiktas this campaign, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances after joining on a season-long loan from Burnley in July.

Weghorst was reported to have an exit clause in his loan arrangement that would allow him to leave should the Super Lig side be paid a €2.5million (£2.2m) compensation fee.

However, Besiktas refuted those claims on Monday in a statement published on their official website.

"After our match against Kasimpasa, there was a need to make a statement due to speculative news in the media about our player Wout Weghorst," the statement read.

"The claim there's an exit clause in our player's contract, stating it can be terminated with a €2.5m compensation in case of an offer from the Premier League, is fictitious. 

"The news the player in question will leave the team on Tuesday is completely untrue. The initiative regarding Wout Weghorst belongs entirely to Besiktas.

"We also state that if there is a development on this issue, our esteemed community and the public will be informed."

Weghorst came to global prominence during the 2022 World Cup when scoring twice as a substitute in the Netherlands' quarter-final against Argentina, which they lost on penalties.

He previously scored 70 goals in 144 games for Wolfsburg and 45 goals in 86 outings for AZ, but he netted just twice in 20 Premier League matches with Burnley, who were relegated at the end of last season.

Discussing Weghorst's future at the weekend, Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci told NTV: "He is our football player now. 

"There is no clause in our contract with Burnley that includes returning or leaving at half-time. Our contract ends at the end of the season.

"If we accept [any proposals], the contract will be terminated. Otherwise, he won't be able to go anywhere until the end of the season."

While Besiktas are hopeful of retaining Weghorst, the Turkish side are reportedly looking to terminate the loan of midfielder Dele Alli and send him back to Everton.

Alli has scored one goal in seven league appearances for Besiktas, who are fifth after 16 matches.

Negotiations are continuing as Manchester United seek to secure out-of-favour Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix on a loan deal this month.

Joao Felix became Atletico's club-record signing back in 2019 when they purchased him from Benfica for €126million, but he has failed to live up to his potential under Diego Simeone.

The Portuguese international with 28 senior caps has only started seven of the 15 LaLiga fixtures he has been available for this campaign, but has recently hit some form, scoring four goals in his past three appearances prior to Sunday's 1-0 loss to Barcelona.

Joao Felix's performances at the World Cup, coupled with his rediscovered nose for goal, have begun to rehabilitate a depressed transfer value – and he is said to be United's for the taking.

TOP STORY – UNITED IN THE BOX SEAT FOR JOAO FELIX

According to the Mirror, United have been given the "first option" on any Joao Felix deal, meaning they will have 48 hours to match any bid Atletico perceive to be acceptable.

United are understood to have submitted a loan offer, inclusive of a £3m (€3.4m) fee, while also covering the 23-year-old's wages, but this was rejected.

As a counter, Atletico proposed a £9.5m (€10.8m) loan fee as well as a commitment to a mandatory £70.5m (€80.2m) transfer fee at the end of the season.

The report also included information that the Spanish side are expecting a bid from Arsenal, while Fichajes add the Rojiblancos have strong interest in United youngster Alejandro Garnacho – a former member of Atletico's youth academy.

ROUND-UP

– According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea will turn to versatile RB Leipzig attacker Dani Olmo if they are unsuccessful in their pursuit of Shakhtar Donestk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk. 

– Tottenham have locked in on Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as their desired replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, per the Mirror.

– ESPN is reporting Arsenal, Chelsea, United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich and Milan are all competing for Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram as he enters the final six months of his contract.

– According to Sky Sports Germany, Leeds United are taking a close look at Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter. The Bundesliga club have confirmed there is Premier League interest, having elected to leave Rutter out of their upcoming friendly against Servette. 

– Diario Sport is reporting Arsenal and Newcastle are the two main sides monitoring Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde, who could become available at the end of the season if he decides to not extend his contract beyond 2024.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has suggested Joao Felix will stay at the LaLiga club but knows "there is nothing impossible in life".

Arsenal and Manchester United are among the clubs who have been linked with Joao Felix.

The Portugal forward has had a difficult time at the Civitas Metropolitano after arriving from Benfica for a huge fee of €126million in 2019.

Joao Felix scored in Atletico's first game after the World Cup against Elche, setting his side on the way to a 2-0 LaLiga victory.

The 23-year-old is set to feature in a huge clash against Barcelona on Sunday and Atleti president Cerezo indicated he will remain in the Spanish capital, but has not ruled out a January exit.

He is quoted as saying by Mundo Deportivo: "Unless you say otherwise, his destination continues to be Atletico Madrid. He is an Atletico Madrid player, he has a long contract.

"As far as I know, no one has come to buy him."

Cerezo added: "There is nothing impossible in life, he is an Atletico player. The normal thing is that he stays."

Atleti head coach Diego Simeone's position has been called into question this season, but Cerezo is in no doubt he remains the right man for the job.

"Simeone is a great coach, he is ideal for Atletico Madrid," he said. "We will be with him here until he decides."

Erik ten Hag joked he may need to crowdsource funds from young Manchester United fans when asked if the club would sign Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

United are expected to bolster their ranks during the January transfer window, as they continue to cement their revival under Ten Hag.

Moves for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham and Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, however, are unlikely to be on the table.

That hasn't stopped supporters quizzing Ten Hag on a deal for either player, to which the manager joked he may need more than just the backing of the board to pursue any move.

"I want to," he told a group of young fans who asked him whether he could buy the pair. "Have you any pennies for me?"

United will not be needing to dip into the pockets of their fanbase to fulfil any moves this window, though quite who Ten Hag will bring through the door remains to be seen.

Jack Butland has been brought in on loan from Crystal Palace to replace Martin Dubravka, who has returned to Newcastle United, while United are also said to be interested in Wout Weghorst, the striker who is on loan at Besiktas from Burnley.

England midfielder Bellingham is widely tipped to depart Dortmund later this year, with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City all said to be keen.

France attacker Mbappe only extended his stay with PSG ahead in May last year.

Hoffenheim have temporarily removed Georginio Rutter from their first-team environment due to speculation over a transfer to Leeds United causing him to become "preoccupied".

Rutter has reportedly emerged as a primary target of the Premier League side, who are supposedly ready to part with £26.5million (€30m) to bring the 20-year-old to Elland Road.

Media speculation suggests he has already agreed personal terms with Leeds, who are keen to bolster their attacking options in their bid to avoid relegation – they are only two points above the bottom three.

Rutter, a France Under-21 international, joined Hoffenheim from Rennes at the start of February 2021 for a fee said to be around €500,000, and although still raw, has since gone on to show real promise in the Bundesliga.

But Hoffenheim have taken the decision to sideline him from first-team operations, which includes him sitting out training and Monday's friendly against Servette.

"For the time being, Georginio Rutter will not take part at all in training or in the friendly match against Servette," a club statement read.

"Since yesterday [Friday], there have been rumours circulating of a move to the Premier League for the Frenchman."

The club's director of football, Alexander Rosen, added: "Georgi has been confronted with a major issue that is taking a lot of his energy.

"He is a young man and it is therefore understandable that he is preoccupied by the current situation.

"From our side, it is a case of dealing with a young man in a responsible manner and for that reason, we have decided that he should not participate in full training with the first team right now."

Julian Nagelsmann is not worried by Borussia Monchengladbach's declaration that Yann Sommer is not for sale.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich have a goalkeeping conundrum to solve ahead of the season's resumption later this month, after Manuel Neuer suffered a broken leg during a skiing accident.

Sommer, who is out of contract in June, has been touted as a candidate to be drafted in to fill Neuer's void, though Gladbach's sporting director Roland Virkus made it clear that the club were not willing to negotiate a sale.

Nagelsmann is not concerned, however, as he feels the comments are part and parcel of the mid-season window.

"I didn't faint at the headline," he said in a press conference when asked about Virkus' comments.

"If he had said the door was open, his board would also have asked him, 'is everything okay with you?' You have to keep your poker face."

Should a move for Sommer not materialise, another option for Bayern would be to recall Alexander Nubel from his loan at Monaco, though Nagelsmann claimed he has not spoken to the 26-year-old.

"I've never really had contact with him. He was already gone when I came, so he was never really my player," he explained.

"I know him as a goalkeeper, but not as a person. At the very beginning we texted, but that was a long time ago. It wouldn't do him much good if I picked up the phone."

Should a new addition not arrive in January, Nagelsmann is happy to call on long-time back-up goalkeeper Sven Ulreich.

Nagelsmann said: "Ulreich played some great games in the first half of the season. He was very solid. That is also the case in training.

"He had a small mistake. Ulle is very relaxed and has known his role for years."

Bayern resume their push for an 11th consecutive Bundesliga title on January 20 against RB Leipzig.

Chelsea's struggles and riches mean they are going to be busy during the January transfer window.

The Blues, who face Manchester City in the FA Cup on Sunday, are currently 10th in the Premier League as they continue to adjust to head coach Graham Potter.

Chelsea have already signed Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos this month, while also being heavily linked with Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez, but they may have another World Cup finalist in their sights.

TOP STORY – CHELSEA KEEN ON THURAM IN JANUARY

Chelsea have commenced discussions with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach about a move for French forward Marcus Thuram, reports Fabrizio Romano.

Thuram's Gladbach contract expires at the end of this season and he is not planning on extending the deal.

Chelsea and Gladbach will hold further talks in the coming days to discuss conditions and a price tag for the 25-year-old in January.

ROUND-UP

– Negotiations between Atletico Madrid and Manchester United on a Joao Felix loan deal are ramping up, with the Spanish club demanding a £9.5million (€10.8m) loan fee and a commitment to buy for £70m (€79.4m), according to the Sunday Mirror.

– FootMercato claims Manchester United are exploring a deal to sign Wout Weghorst on loan. The 30-year-old Dutch striker is currently on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, with an £8.8m (€10m) buy option in the deal.

– Tottenham are interested in signing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford as a long-term replacement for veteran Hugo Lloris, claims the Sunday Mirror.

– Napoli have made an opening bid worth €15m plus add-ons for Azzedine Ounahi from French club Angers, claims 90min. Ounahi impressed with Morocco at the World Cup and has also been linked with Leicester City .

– The Sun reports that Crystal Palace will rival Everton in pursuit of Aston Villa striker Danny Ings in January.

– Arsenal are monitoring Tammy Abraham's situation at Roma, claims La Repubblica.

– The Athletic reports that ex-Everton and Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has a verbal agreement to take over as Portugal head coach.

Wout Weghorst could be on his way to Manchester United in a shock January move, but Besiktas will not be easily parted from the Netherlands international.

The 30-year-old appeared to wave goodbye to fans of the Turkish club after scoring the second goal in a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa on Saturday in the Super Lig. Former Everton striker Cenk Tosun got the opening goal.

Reports have claimed United want to bring in Weghorst, who is on loan to Besiktas from Burnley, on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

United manager Erik ten Hag has signalled his need for a striker, with Weghorst a surprising choice.

Besiktas manager Senol Gunes said after the Kasimpasa game: "I have not seen Wout Weghorst's move and I do not know. I cannot speak about what I do not know.

"Wout plays from the heart. He contributes. I do not find it appropriate to talk about someone's future, there is no such thing on our agenda."

He added: "Weghorst is an important player for us. It's not enough to say goodbye to the crowd to say goodbye. He has to talk to the club as well."

Besiktas would be reluctant to see Weghorst go, believing they struck a deal with Burnley that would keep him at the Istanbul club for the duration of the season.

They would be seeking compensation, according to sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci.

He told broadcaster NTV: "I don't understand why Weghorst said goodbye to the fans, why he made such a move. He is our football player now. There is no clause in our contract with Burnley that includes returning or leaving at half-time. Our contract ends at the end of the season."

Kazanci added that Burnley would need to sound out Besiktas about any change to the loan agreement.

"If we accept, the contract will be terminated," he said. "Otherwise, he won't be able to go anywhere until the end of the season."

Weghorst struggled to make an impact in the Premier League with Burnley in a short spell last season, after a previous prolific time at Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga.

The 6ft 6in target man came to global prominence at the World Cup, scoring twice as a substitute in the quarter-final against Argentina before the Netherlands were ousted on penalties.

Yann Sommer will not be sold to Bayern Munich, with Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Roland Virkus vowing to keep the Switzerland international despite transfer speculation.

The Bundesliga champions are in the market for a new goalkeeper after first-choice Manuel Neuer sustained a season-ending injury on holiday following the World Cup.

Sommer has been touted as a possible replacement, with Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirming their interest earlier this week.

Now though, Virkus has bluntly stressed there will be no exit to the Bavarian giants for the shotstopper – whose contract expires in June – during the January transfer window.

"We will not be giving up Yann Sommer," he said following Borussia's friendly against Oldenburg.

"That is what we told Bayern as well. It is planned that he will be used in the last two friendlies."

Virkus' words strike a sharp contrast to those of Salihamidzic, who confirmed interest in Sommer on Friday, though he walked back his comments to an extent at a subsequent press conference.

Neuer was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after he was involved in a skiing accident in the wake of Germany's dismal World Cup campaign.

It has left Bayern with Sven Ulreich and 19-year-old Johannes Schenk as their goalkeeping options, leading the club to intensify a search for reinforcements.

The champions are top of the Bundesliga, four points ahead of Freiburg, and remain on course to defend their crown when the season restarts later this month.

Daley Blind revealed his shock move to Bayern Munich has received the backing of Louis van Gaal and Erik ten Hag.

Former Netherlands boss Van Gaal, who stepped down after the World Cup, is a former Bayern head coach, while Manchester United manager Ten Hag previously had a spell in charge of Bayern's reserve team.

Both think Blind has made a smart move by joining the German champions in a step that few saw coming.

The 99-cap Netherlands defender had been heavily linked with Royal Antwerp, but he jumped at the chance to join Bundesliga leaders Bayern, who are chasing an 11th consecutive league title.

Blind has committed to a six-month contract, with the 32-year-old adding the Bavarian giants to his illustrious list of clubs, having also had a four-year stint at United that ended in 2018.

Asked about the influence on the deal of Van Gaal and Ten Hag, who was his former coach at Ajax, Blind said: "I did not speak to them before. Everything went real quick.

"They messaged me after and told me it was a great step, a great opportunity. They were really happy and wished me all the luck."

Speaking at his presentation in Doha on Saturday, Blind refused to go into the reported falling-out with Ajax coach Alfred Schreuder that preceded him being cut free, six months before the end of his contract.

"There is a lot of news lately about Ajax and me, but I don't think is the right moment to talk about that," he said.

Blind is eager to fight for a place in the Bayern team, aware he will be "maybe not a first choice" initially.

His hope is that there will be the chance to extend his short-term deal, but Blind veered clear of looking too far into the future.

"We'll see what happens," he said. "I'll enjoy the moment for now and see what happens after."

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic revealed talks with Blind happened prior to his Ajax exit being announced on December 27.

"Before Christmas we got in touch with him and he showed us straight away this would be his first option," Salihamidzic said.

"We got along very well straightaway and had a good feeling for each other.

"He's an asset for us. We know he's a great player so we hope we can win a few titles together."

Chelsea new boy Andrey Santos is relishing the chance to make his mark at Chelsea after completing a move from Vasco da Gama.

Vasco announced on Friday an agreement had been reached with Chelsea for the 18-year-old midfielder.

The transfer, which is reported to be worth £11million, was confirmed on Chelsea's end on Saturday, making him their third signing of the January window after recruiting Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana.

Santos scored eight goals in 33 games in the Brazilian second tier in 2022, as Vasco won promotion to end a two-season spell outside the top flight.

He will now experience football outside of Brazil for the first time and is looking forward to getting going at his new club.

"It's a very big opportunity for me," he told Chelsea's official website. "This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited. 

"The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here."

Santos has been capped six times by Brazil at under-20 level.

Chelsea have been busy strengthening following a disappointing run of form that has seen them drop to 10th after winning just one of their past eight Premier League games.

As well as Badiashile, Fofana and Santos, they have been attempting to negotiate with Benfica to sign Enzo Fernandez, who impressed for Argentina at the World Cup.

Graham Potter's side are back in action on Sunday with an FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Bayern Munich ruled out rushing through a deal for a new goalkeeper as Yann Sommer emerged as a prime target to replace the injured Manuel Neuer.

The 34-year-old Sommer has a contract with Borussia Monchengladbach that runs to the end of this season.

Bayern are weighing up a bid before the January transfer window closes, but they are away in Doha at a training camp for now, so nothing appears imminent.

Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic spoke at a press conference in the Qatari city on Saturday, where he said efforts were under way to resolve the problem that arose when Neuer suffered a broken leg on a post-World Cup skiing holiday.

Having confirmed Bayern's interest in Switzerland international Sommer on Friday, Salihamidzic has now stressed a deal is not yet in place.

"As I said yesterday, I don't like to talk about other clubs' players," said the former Bayern defender. "The topic of the goalkeeper is of course one where we're thinking about it, but we're working on everything.

"Of course, Manuel's injury is a big blow for us. We're going to continue our work, check options, and then make a decision.

"We have until January 31 and until then we'll either do something or not."

The prospect of the goalkeeper issue going to the wire still appears unlikely, given Bayern resume their Bundesliga campaign on January 20 after the extended winter break.

Coach Julian Nagelsmann would ideally want the situation resolved by then, with there being seemingly little prospect of Alexander Nubel returning from his loan at Monaco.

Nubel has indicated a reluctance to come back, having become a regular in the Monaco team, and Salihamidzic says Bayern are aware of his stance.

"We have had very good communication between us, him and his management. We know exactly what the situation is," said the sporting director.

Bayern will be without defender Noussair Mazraoui for several weeks after announcing on Friday that medical tests had showed up an inflammation issue relating to his heart.

The Morocco international tested positive for COVID-19 at the World Cup, before recovering in time to face France in the semi-finals.

Subsequent tests have shown Mazraoui has a mild inflammation of the pericardium, which is the fluid-filled fibrous sac surrounding the heart.

Salihamidzic said it was unclear whether Mazraoui had been brought back too soon by Morocco.

"It's hard to tell if it was too early or not. He talked to [Morocco] medical staff, he talked to our medical staff, and he had tests. The tests were okay," Salihamidzic said.

"We don't know how it is with post-COVID. It's quite a blow for us that we have to be without him now.

"We'll talk about why this has happened to us. He's an important player for us, so we'll have to try to replace him.

"Of course he will be able to take all the time that he needs to recover. We'll have a test every week and see how he feels from week to week, but for now we're without him."

In-demand forward Leandro Trossard must show full commitment to Brighton and Hove Albion if he is to return to their starting line-up, says head coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Trossard has been linked with a move to Newcastle United or a reunion with former boss Graham Potter at Chelsea after impressing before the World Cup, though his form has tailed off badly since then.

The 28-year-old has seven goals in 16 Premier League appearances this season, but he was left out for the Seagulls' 4-1 thrashing of Everton on Tuesday after starting just once in Belgium's dire World Cup campaign.

Speaking to The Athletic, De Zerbi said of Trossard: "I think he's one of the best players for us and one of the most important players for us. 

"I'd like to always play with Leo in the first eleven, but it doesn't depend only on me, it depends on Leo. I want players that work for the team on the pitch and Leandro knows very well my opinion. I've spoken a lot of times with him.

"I like him as a player, but I want more from him, because he can play better, he can work harder, he can run more on the pitch.

"I want players who give 100 per cent in every training session and every game. Without these characteristics, they can't play with me."

Asked whether Trossard's experience in Qatar was to blame for his recent drop-off, the Italian said: "I don't know if it’s the World Cup. I have to watch what my player does on the pitch. 

"If there is a problem, I'm always open to understanding, but on the pitch I want 100 per cent always. I can't understand 80 per cent or 90 per cent."

Moises Caicedo is another Brighton player to be linked with a move, but the club's chief executive Paul Barber claims he is yet to field an offer from suitors including Liverpool and Chelsea, laughing off a reported £42million valuation of the midfielder. 

"I'm pleased to say we haven't had any [offers]. Maybe they haven't got my email because I haven't seen any," he told CBS Sports.

"I'm not sure £42m will even include his boots now, maybe just the laces. But joking aside, every player's value is ultimately determined by the market."