Kevin Phillips has backed Ben White to be playing in the Premier League next season - with or without Leeds United.

The 22-year-old has been one of the Whites' most consistent performers so far this term after backing the role of central defender his own.

White is currently on loan from Premier League side Brighton who will no doubt be keen to keep hold of the talented youngster, however interest from Manchester United has shown a sign of intent from the top flight's bigger clubs.

According to Phillips, White has shown exactly why he's so highly-rated as he's the complete package.

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Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips said: “If they don’t go up, he’ll be playing Premier League football next year, without a shadow of a doubt.

“Great player, composure, can travel out with the ball…defensively I haven’t really seen him get done this season, his defensive qualities are excellent.

“He’s not exactly a typical centre-half, he’s one of these modern-day centre-halves who are slim, he’s an athlete but he’s technically very good on the ball.

“You wouldn’t get much change out of him because he can run and he reads the game really well, aerially he’s really good so yeah, we all know there’s big clubs sniffing around him and he’s a fantastic talent.”

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The verdict

Ben White will almost certainly be in the Premier League next term.

Brighton will be delighted at how well he's progressed during his time at Leeds United and I'm sure Graham Potter will be very excited to bring him into his plans at Brighton.

If Leeds do go up then they'll probably pursue a permanent move, however it's not out of the question that one of the bigger clubs could come knocking.

Of course regular first team football will be the priority for White, but it'll be hard to say no if one of the big guns express an interest.