Brighton technical director Dan Ashworth says the club want to keep centre back Ben White at the club for many years to come.

White is currently on a season-long loan at Leeds United, where the 22-year-old has emerged as a key figure for Marcelo Bielsa's side, featuring in every one of their league games so far this season, and producing some standout performances to help them to top spot in the current Championship table.

Now it seems that that is something that has not gone unnoticed at his parent club, judging by Ashworth's latest comments.

Speaking to The Argus about White's performances this season, Ashworth said: “We have been delighted with his progress.

“Leeds have done a brilliant job with him.  I was speaking with their sporting director and he has done really well.

“Leeds have done great and Ben has played almost every minute of every game other than the first half of a cup game. We are delighted. Not surprised because we rate him but we are delighted with how well he has done."

However, Leeds' hopes of retaining White beyond the end of this season have also been dealt a blow thanks to Ashworth's comments, as discussing the defender's future, the Brighton director went on to add: “He is still well contracted with us. He signed a new contract in the summer before he went out so we have still got plenty left on him.

“As soon as he comes back, we will see where we are, we will see where the season resumes, what league we are in, etc, etc.

“But he would certainly be part of plans in either scenario and a young talent we would be looking to keep here for a number of years.” 

White has just over two years remaining on his contract with Brighton, securing his future at The AMEX Stadium until the end of the 2021/22 season.

As well as winning plenty of plaudits, White's performances this season have also seen him linked with some of the Premier League's biggest clubs this season, with Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United all credited with an interest in the centre back.

The Verdict

This will be a big disappointment for Leeds.

Given the level of performance he has consistently produced this season, you feel they would have been desperate to keep him beyond the end of the campaign, something that is looking unlikely with these sort of updates.

That being said, you can't blame Brighton for wanting to keep White, both due to the ability he could provide them with on the pitch, and the money he could make for them off it, were they to sell him to one of those top-six Premier League clubs interested in the defender.