Former Leeds United midfielder Michael Brown has suggested that defender Ben White would be better off remaining at Elland Road than moving to Liverpool in the summer transfer window, providing the Whites win promotion to the Premier League this season.

White has been an ever-present for Marcelo Bielsa's side this season since joining on-loan from Brighton, helping Leeds to top spot in the current Championship standings, seven points clear of third-placed Fulham with nine games of the season still to be played at some point.

It has recently been reported that runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool are interested in a move for the 22-year-old, although Brown is unconvinced by the suggestion that a switch to Anfield would best suit the centre back.

Speaking to Football Insider about whether White would be better off moving to Liverpool or making his move to Leeds permanent, Brown said: “White needs to play football and he will want to play week in week out.

“He needs to be in a team where he can step forward with the ball and step through the thirds. That is what he really good at is getting the ball and driving into midfield."

Discussing what White should be aiming for going forward in his career, Brown continued: “The next step is the Premier League. Hopefully, it will be with Leeds United – they have got a fantastic place – and it would be a great place to play your football.”

Currently, there are just over two years remaining on White's contract with parent club Brighton, securing his future at the AMEX Stadium until the end of the 2021/22 season.

The Verdict

I do think Brown has a point here.

White has been outstanding for Leeds all season, and the step up to the top-flight is the obvious next step for the promising young defender.

However, while he would be in a strong position to retain his place in the starting lineup if he does make his move to Leeds permanent, Liverpool's form this season means it would be hard for White to walk straight into their side, potentially handing White's career something of a setback.

It should of course, also be noted that White is still technically Brighton's player, and the Seagulls and not going to want to let a player of his ability go easily, given they are not under any pressure to sell him any time soon.