Newcastle are among a long list of clubs interested in signing young Rennes attacker Georginio Rutter, a report from a print edition of The Daily Mirror (20/09, p73) has claimed.
The Magpies have already signed one striker this summer in the form of Callum Wilson from Bournemouth, and it seems as though Steve Bruce is keen to add another attacking option to his side before the window closes.
According to the latest reports, Rutter appears to have emerged as a possible candidate to fill that role, although it may not be easy for Newcastle to complete that deal.
It is thought that Rennes are demanding £10million for Rutter, despite the fact that the 18-year-old is in the final year of his contract at the club, while several other sides, including Arsenal, RB Leipzig, AC Milan and Lyon, have all also been credited with an interest in the attacker.
Rutter has yet to make an appearance for Rennes’ senior side, but has scored five goals in 21 league appearances for the club’s second-team, who play in the fifth-tier of French football.
With that in mind, it does seem as though it would be something of a risk for Newcastle to pay so much for a teenager who would be making such a big step up with a move to St James’ Park, and could be available for free in less than a year’s time.
That being said, the amount of interest there is Rutter, and where it is coming from, does seem to suggest that the teenager possesses a great deal of potential which could be exploited in the future.
As a result, a move for Rutter with the view to him being one for future may not be the worst move for Newcastle, and could even be something of a coup considering his apparent alternative options.