Brighton have triggered the £40 million release clause for Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter.
The Seagulls had previously seen several bids rejected, but with the clause now activated, the decision is up to the 22-year-old player.
Rutter appeared as a substitute in the second half of Leeds’ 3-0 loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup first round at Elland Road on Wednesday.
Brighton is believed to be the only club to have met the release clause before the 00:00 BST deadline on Thursday.
Leeds are working to convince Rutter to remain at the club, especially after the departures of Archie Gray to Tottenham and Crysencio Summerville to West Ham this summer.
Rutter, who joined Leeds from Hoffenheim in January 2023 for a record fee that could reach £35 million, still has four years remaining on his contract with the Championship side.