Ben White has had an unbelievable season in the Championship. The 22-year old has played every minute of Leeds' campaign thus far, with Marcelo Bielsa's side looking very likely to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
If they do seal promotion, it is highly unlikely White will be with them next season. On loan from Brighton, the central defender has been drawing looks from some of the biggest clubs in England after his performance over the past 12 months.
The Athletic's Phil Hay recently said that Liverpool are keeping a very close on his development, as are Manchester City and Manchester United. He also revealed that Leeds are all but resigned to losing him at the end of this season, with former Ireland defender Andy O'Brien watching the player on the behalf of Liverpool a number of times this season.
"The more I speak to Leeds about White, the more I sense a resignation about him being here a second year."@PhilHay_ reveals #LFC, #MCFC and #MUFC are all interested in on loan #LUFC defender Ben White.
🎙️ 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟 𝗛𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪
Listen now: https://t.co/R3xFLQOETW pic.twitter.com/lnhw92KPyt— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) April 27, 2020
He's had Liverpool on his case right the way through the season. Their talent scout in Andy O'Brien, the former Leeds defender, who's been watching him a lot.
I'm hearing that both City and Manchester United are keen as well. I have to say, the more I speak to Leeds about White, the more I sense a kind of resignation about the possibility of him being here for a second year.
I think they feel that the improvement he's made this season, and the attributes that he's got are tailor-made for a top-six club to have a go if they've got the money.
Hay seems to feel that Liverpool are major favourites for his signature, but they will have to fork out a major fee if they want to bring the player to Anfield.
Football Insider are reporting that Brighton will request a £35million fee in any deal for Ben White, despite having never made a Premier League appearance for the club. While no doubt a big fee for a player of his experience, it does not seem beyond the realms of possibility that one of England's major clubs could be tempted.
Both Manchester City and Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a centre back this summer, while Liverpool could also look for another defender should Dejan Lovren leave the club. Either way, it looks highly unlikely that Leeds will be unable to match the financial might of those teams.
This is definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
