Chelsea linked with shock move for Brighton forward

Chelsea look set to continue their policy of targeting young and developing players amid reported interest in signing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Georginio Rutter.

The Blues want long-term value or future profitability from their recruits and Rutter, who is versatile enough to play as a 'number nine', 'number ten' and on either wing, fits that profile at just 22 years of age.

Rutter has contributed 13 goal involvements in 34 games for Brighton across all competitions this season, and Sky Germany report Chelsea are "closely monitoring" his situation.

Chelsea have more reason than most to be hot on Rutter. He netted against them as a winger in a 4-2 Blues win in the Premier League in September, before also scoring and assisting as a 'number ten' when Brighton won an FA Cup fourth round tie between them more recently.

Rutter was first brought to the Premier League when Leeds United paid Bundesliga side Hoffenheim a club record £33.5m. He stayed with Leeds after relegation to the Championship, but then Brighton were sufficiently convinced to fork out £40m last summer – breaking their club record.

Rather than being Chelsea's primary target in the hunt for a central striker, even though he can play there, Rutter could be a more ideal option to replace Jadon Sancho. The Blues are currently obligated to pay £25m to make that loan permanent, but could pay a £5m penalty to opt out, or even look to immediately sell on in the event that Sancho is signed.

The player's own preference is reported to be a third spell at Borussia Dortmund, the only club where he has thrived in his career to date.

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