Ben White has been a revelation at Leeds United this season, with the on loan Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back a class above in Marcelo Bielsa’s defensive unit.

Leeds tasked White with replacing Pontus Jansson in the heart of defence in the summer, with the 22-year-old featuring in every minute of the Championship this season and impressing heavily.

After the 2019/20 season concludes, White will return to Brighton, who have high hopes for the defender.

Discussing White with Leeds Live, Brighton expert, Andy Naylor, talked about the fight Brighton have on their hands to retain White in the summer, as Premier League clubs and Leeds lurk.

Naylor conceded that Brighton were keen to retain White, but the current circumstances surrounding the game may play a factor, with the Brighton insider refusing to rule out the centre-back’s departure.

He said: “Brighton are very keen to keep hold of him.  

“You can never say never. It depends whether monitoring by others turns into something more meaningful in terms of bids, who from and for how much. The COVID-19 pandemic has also created difficulties in planning for most clubs, apart from those wealthy enough to absorb the financial blows.  

“It is hard to predict with much confidence at the moment about the situation next week, let alone next season.”

QUIZ: Can you name every Leeds United player’s shirt number?

Alongside Leeds, the Premier League’s top-six are known admirers of White, with Liverpool, Man City and Man United all keen.

The Verdict  

‘Never say never’ are the three words that Leeds United are going to be holding onto here.

White has been so impressive this season at Elland Road and Leeds will be desperate to retain the defender’s service heading into next season and beyond.

Securing Premier League football seems the only way Leeds will have any chance of signing White, so, for now, focus from there shouldn’t be swaying anywhere else.

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