Phil hay has insisted that Leeds United winning promotion this season would allow them to ‘get involved in the conversation’ when it comes to a permanent move for Ben White.

Leeds took White on a season-long loan from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer gone by, with the centre-back making an impressive transition into the Championship side’s defence.

He’s featured in every minute of league action so far, as well as two League Cup ties, with his clever defensive work matched by an impressive ability to dictate play on the ball.

And, Hay has touched on White’s future in his weekly podcast, confirming that Liverpool remain interested in signing White, with Andy O’Brien running constant checks over the Leeds loanee.

This week, it was put to the Leeds reporter if the club go up, they’ve got a chance of signing White, with his response making interesting listening.

“Yeah, and I think they’ll have the money to do it,” Hay stated on his podcast, The Phil Hay Show, when it was suggested that Leeds could move for White if they were in the Premier League. 

“How much he’d have been worth last summer, I’ve no idea, but you’re probably talking £5-6m. Brighton will expect £20m+ for him now; on the basis of how much they paid for Adam Webster, but just by the general value of top players by Championship standard.  

“Leeds go up, they’d certainly be able to get involved in the conversation.

“If he has a good season and they do get promoted, you’d imagine he’d be pretty keen, but I’m struggling to see why on earth Brighton would want to let him go.”  

White has formed an excellent partnership with Liam Cooper at centre-back for Leeds, with last weekend’s 3-3 draw with Cardiff City one of the only times we’ve seen the 22-year-old stretched this season.

Leeds are looking to put that shock draw behind them this weekend when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage in a huge Championship fixture.

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The Verdict

If promotion is achieved, and it is a big if, Leeds should be well within the race to sign White again.

As Phil Hay mentions, Brighton might not want to sell, but even another loan at Leeds might be beneficial for all parties involved if a permanent fee can’t be agreed on.

Whilst it is an encouraging thought to imagine White at Elland Road permanently, promotion has to be the first objective.

Without that, this is a pointless topic.

Thoughts? Let us know!