This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

 

Recently interacting with a fan, Leeds reporter Phil Hay revealed that Ben White could cost United, or any other side, around £20m in the summer window if they want to sign him. 

White has had an excellent season for Leeds this year and if Brighton do decide that they want to cash in - and they might well not want to - it sounds as though some decent money will be raised.

Could and should Leeds pay such a figure, then? Our writers discuss...

Alfie Burns

You’ve got to imagine that any move for White is going to be dependant on Leeds winning promotion to the Premier League.

If Bielsa’s side get over the line, they will feel they have a chance of entering the conversation over White’s future, but it really does look like a complicated deal to get over the line.

Brighton want to retain him, whilst bigger, better-placed clubs in the Premier League might be able to offer him a little bit more stability than Leeds.

£20m feels a bargain for the player but, again, it’s a scenario that Leeds could get swamped in. That figure might be about their limit in the summer, but other clubs in the Premier League might be able to dangle a little bit more in front of Brighton.

By all means, Leeds should be in the hunt, but as the weeks go by, the more unlikely a permanent deal feels.

Quiz: Have these 15 current and ex-Leeds United players ever played in the Premier League?

 

Jacob Potter

I think they're fighting a losing battle with this one.

White has been nothing short of brilliant with Leeds this season, and you would imagine that the club will be keen to make his stay at Elland Road a permanent one in the summer.

But we've already seen the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United being interested in signing the Brighton defender heading into the summer, and if he continues to impress with Marcelo Bielsa's side, then his price tag will only rise.

If Leeds are to win promotion into the Premier League, then there are more experienced options that they can turn to ahead of life back in the top-flight.

£20m is a price worth paying, but I think there will be more reputable clubs ahead of Leeds in the race to sign the in-form defender.

Sam Rourke

They 100% should pay the money, but it will be far from easy.

In all honesty, I can see White becoming a pivotal figure in Graham Potter's Brighton side next season, with Potter likely to be delighted with the defender's progress at Elland Road.

A number of elite clubs in England are keeping tabs on White also, so you feel they may have the edge if a bidding war ensues for White's services - but Leeds should certainly make their stance known to Brighton.

At 22, White has really come to the fore this season and has been one of Leeds' most influential players as they sit pretty at the top of the Championship table.

£20m would be a great price for the player, but I simply cannot see Brighton departing with the player for such a fee.