Leeds United reportedly pushed to include an option to buy in their loan deal for Brighton's Ben White last summer but could not secure such an agreement with the Premier League club.
The 22-year-old arrived at Elland Road in July on a season-long loan deal and was asked to fill the void left by the exit of Pontus Jansson.
It seemed a gamble at the time but given the way White has performed in the 2019/20 campaign, it now looks a masterstroke.
The central defender has been a key man for Marcelo Bielsa this term – featuring in every single game so far and helping Leeds climb to the top of the Championship, while conceding the fewest goals in the division.
According to a report from The Athletic's Phil Hay, Leeds are interested in signing him permanently in the summer but that will be no easy task as Brighton are keen to hold onto him
It is believed that Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are also keen on the defender.
It was suggested ahead of the deal in June 2019 that the Whites were keen to include an option to buy in the deal and Hay has reiterated that the Yorkshire club failed in their attempts to include such an option in the loan deal.
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The Verdict
White has been fantastic for Leeds this season and if they somehow manage to sign him permanently in the summer it will be a massive boost for them.
Clearly, the Whites suspected the 22-year-old would have an impressive season but it appears he was too highly-rated by Brighton at the time.
That looks a wise move by the Seagulls, who you'd imagine will face a battle to keep the defender in the summer.