Leeds United could potentially lose Ben White in January as Brighton have the option to recall the centre-back when the transfer window opens.

That was revealed by Whites managing director Angus Kinnear when speaking to the Talking Shutt podcast, although he played down fears that the Premier League side would take that option.

Yet, despite claiming he would be 'fairly confident' White, along with Eddie Nketiah, wouldn't return to their parent clubs, the reality is that he just doesn't know and things can change very quickly in football.

Plus, White's form at Elland Road is sure to have caught the eye of those at Brighton.

Here we look at THREE reasons why Leeds fans should be concerned at this update...

He has been outstanding since joining

We will start with the obvious one. White has been terrific for Leeds since arriving and is already a crucial member of the team, making the Whites fans forget quickly about Pontus Jansson.

He defends aggressively in the way he likes to push out and his quality on the ball is vital to the way that Marcelo Bielsa wants his side to play.

If the defender did return for whatever reason, he would be extremely tough to replace and it's an area Leeds lack depth, so it would present them with a real problem.

Brighton aren't convincing defensively

Ultimately, this decision is going to rest with Brighton, which is why Kinnear shouldn't be so confident - as Leeds have absolutely no say in the matter.

And, they aren't exactly convincing defensively right now, shipping eight in their last four games.

If that continues, supporters are going to rightly ask questions as to why they have White, arguably the best centre-back in the Championship so far this season, out on loan.

He is outperforming Matt Clarke right now

White isn't the only Brighton defender in the Championship, with Matt Clarke having joined Derby on loan for the season too.

Should an injury crisis hit the Seagulls at centre-back, or their defensive issues increase, then they may consider recalling one of the players in the New Year.

Unfortunately for Leeds, it would be a pretty straightforward decision for the top-flight side.

Whilst Clarke has not been bad by any means with the Rams, he is not doing as well as White. So if Brighton were in that situation, Leeds would have to be the ones to lose out.