Brighton trigger Rutter’s £40m release clause

Brighton have activated the £40m release clause for Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter.

The Seagulls have had a number of previous bids turned down but, having triggered the clause, the decision is now in the 22-year-old’s hands.

Rutter came on during the second half of Leeds’ 3-0 defeat by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup first round at Elland Road on Wednesday.

Brighton are understood to be the only club to have activated the clause in the French attacker’s contract prior to a deadline of 00:00 BST on Thursday.

Leeds are trying to persuade Rutter to stay having already sold Archie Gray to Tottenham and Crysencio Summerville to West Ham this summer.

Rutter has four years left on his contract with the Championship side after joining from Hoffenheim in January 2023 in a club record deal which could rise to £35m.