Leeds United could be set to be handed a frustrating blow in their well-publicised pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion defender Ben White. 

Football Insider have reported that Chelsea are eyeing a move for Lewis Dunk, which would mean that it is highly unlikely White would be allowed to leave the Seagulls if Dunk was to sign up with the Blues.

White caught the eye with a number of impressive performances for Leeds during the 2019/20 season, and was a regular in Marcelo Bielsa's team, having made 49 appearances in all competitions for the Yorkshire-based side.

Leeds finished top of the Championship table, and ten points clear of second-placed West Brom in a memorable league campaign for the club's supporters.

Brighton have previously claimed that they're keen to keep White with them ahead of the 2020/21 season, which put a sizeable dent in Leeds' bid to sign him permanently.

But Marcelo Bielsa can't afford to dwell on this too much, and will have to turn to a suitable alternative at the earliest of opportunities, as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

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The Verdict: 

I find it hard to believe that he'll sign for Leeds permanently.

White was brilliant for the club in his loan spell during the 2019/20 league campaign, and I don't think they would have finished in such a strong position in the Championship table without him.

But Brighton are clearly determined to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future, and I think Leeds are fighting a losing battle in their pursuit of him on a permanent basis.

If Lewis Dunk is to join Chelsea, then they can forget about signing White anytime soon.