Andy O’Brien has been revealed the man that’s pushing the pursuit of Leeds United loanee Ben White, with the Liverpool figure assessing whether the 22-year-old is the right fit for the Anfield club.
Leeds took White on loan in the summer transfer window with a view to him replacing Pontus Jansson at the heart of Marcelo Bielsa’s defence. Given he hadn’t played a minute of league football about League One level there was an element of risk, but White has slotted in seamlessly to the Whites’ fluid style.
White has featured in every minute of the Championship this season and has helped Leeds to the top of the division with only nine games of the campaign remaining.
His form at Elland Road has led to a number of Premier League sides taking an interest in stealing White from Brighton and Hove Albion this summer, with the centre-back’s parent-club set for a tough battle to retain their asset.
Amongst those interested in White are Liverpool, with the Premier League leaders seemingly urged by ex-professional and current scout Andy O’Brien in the direction of the 22-year-old.
This week, Gary Weaver has told Sky Sports that it is O’Brien who has been casting a very keen eye over the Leeds United fixtures this season.
“I think Andy O'Brien, who's a Liverpool scout, has watched almost every single game of Ben White,” Weaver told Sky Sports.
“He's obviously at parent club Brighton, but the big teams are interested. He's taken everything in his stride, and he's a top, top quality player.”
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The Verdict
O’Brien was a successful centre-back in the Premier League, with the scout sure to know just what it takes in a player to succeed at the top-flight level.
You’d imagine that’s why he’s taken such an interest in Ben White, who this season for Leeds, has looked ready to take the step up into the Premier League.
He’s got class on the ball, a good eye for defending and has played for a club with high demands. It’s easy to see why Liverpool are interested, and with no sign of these rumours slowing down, something might give in the coming months.
Thoughts? Let us know!
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