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...
Leeds United have enjoyed a fine start to the season, sitting on top of the Championship, level on points with Swansea City, ahead of the top of the table clash with the Swans at Elland Road this weekend.
One player who is undoubtedly performing well for the Whites this season is loan defender Ben White, who has been a regular for Marcelo Bielsa's side since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer.
The 21-year-old has managed to fill the void left by Pontus Jansson who left for Brentford in the summer, and has showcased the classy ability he possesses on a consistent basis so far.
So with this in mind, should Leeds do all they can to sign White on a permanent deal in the summer?
We discuss........
George Harbey
“I think that they have no choice but to sign him on a permanent deal – he has been outstanding so far.
“I was worried about Leeds when they lost Pontus Jansson in the summer, and given White’s previous experience, and I was unsure about whether he’d be able to fill his shoes.
“But he has been solid next to Liam Cooper – he wins no end of aerial duels and is so calm at playing the ball out from the back, and it’s clear to see why Bielsa rates him so highly.
“He'd be worth every penny, and even though Brighton won’t want to lose him, Leeds should look to twist their arm.”
Chris Gallagher
"Without a doubt.
"It's risky to judge a player after just a month of the season but anyone who has seen White play will recognise the outstanding talent he has.
"He is a very modern centre-back in that he defends on the front foot, looking to intercept and he reads the game very well, whilst his passing is superb. In that sense, he is the perfect defender for Marcelo Bielsa and you can see him going on to have a brilliant career.
"So, Leeds would be crazy not to try and pursue a permanent deal in the next two transfer windows, although you can't imagine that Brighton are going to be happy to sell."
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Toby Wilding
"Absolutely they should.
"White has been really impressive during his short time at the club so far, and given this is his first sort of experience in the Championship, you can only imagine he will improve further the more he plays at this level.
"Add to that the fact that, having brought White in as a replacement for Jansson, if they do not make his deal permanent, then it leaves them with the exact same conundrum they have just faced this summer, namely a big hole in the centre of their defence.
"I get a feeling that Brighton may struggle to survive in the Premier League this season, and if Leeds can continue the season how they've started it, they may even be in a strong position to make White's move permanent when the window reopens next summer."