Georginio Rutter and Willy Gnonto both wanted at Freiburg with double Leeds United exit on the cards
Leeds United forwards Georginio Rutter and Willy Gnonto are being targeted by Freiburg, who are after a forward with excellent technique and a nose for goals, according to German outlet Bild.
The report states that Rutter and Gnonto are both on the radar at Freiburg, as they fit the mould of the type of player they want to bring in, but that by no means suggests that a transfer deal for either player is likely, with the talks more about the players being good options for the role.
Both Gnonto and Rutter have been heavily linked to moves away, with clubs around Europe keeping tabs on their situations after Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League last season.
Freiburg qualified for the Europa League last season by finishing 5th in the Bundesliga and could use their place in European competition to attract this level of talented players, which previously would not have been on the cards.
Their exit seems inevitable
Both Rutter and Gnonto are almost certain to leave Leeds this summer, as the level of talent and skill they possess is well beyond Championship standard, and as they draw interest from clubs competing in Europe, the outcome looks inevitable.
Gnonto has most recently been linked to Inter Milan, Arsenal and Manchester City, all moves which would see the young Italian playing Champions League football, and all of whom are capable of offering Leeds plenty of money for him. Leeds will be sure to benefit from any sale they make.
Rutter meanwhile had been linked with a return to his former club Hoffenheim [Bild, 15 June], and looks most likely to return to Germany should he leave Elland Road, so the Freiburg transfer could be one that suits both parties.
The report suggests that no deal is close, and there is only interest at this stage, so any speculation of a deal could be set to drag on a while longer yet.
In other Leeds United news, the new owners must move quickly as player sales begin to stack up.