Knock-on effect of Leeds United Georginio Rutter move could spark second-tier race for youngster

The Whites are attempting to get a deal for the Hoffenheim striker over the line this week to bolster Marsch's attacking options, having failed to land a senior centre-forward in the summer.

Rutter, still only 20, is a number 9 but his willingness to run at defenders gives him a different profile to Rodrigo, the Whites' top goalscorer and currently their only fully fit and experienced centre forward. It will likely take a club record fee to convince the Bundesliga side to part with their young Frenchman and as of Tuesday afternoon an agreement had not yet been reached.

If Victor Orta gets his man, it's possible that Joe Gelhardt could then decide to go out on loan in order to get more game time, an eventuality that would spark a second tier bidding war. A significant number of Championship outfits have already expressed interest or made enquiries over Gelhardt's availability, including Swansea City and his previous club Wigan Athletic.

Leeds are more than happy to keep the 20-year-old at Elland Road for the second half of the season but they will consider letting him out temporarily if the right move is presented and he decides it’s what he wants.

Swansea, managed by Russell Martin