Leeds to battle PL biggies for the signature of £35m-rated young rising star

Leeds United to battle with Chelsea, Liverpool for Ben White

According to a report from Brighton & Hove Independent, Leeds United are keen on signing Ben White on a permanent transfer but will face competition from Liverpool, Chelsea and Everton.

The 22-year-old, who is valued at £35m by Brighton & Hove Albion, is coming on the back of a fine season on loan at Leeds United. This has led to significant interest in the youngster.

Ben White: Five things you need to know…

• White started out at the Southampton academy before switching to Brighton & Hove Albion.
• The 22-year-old has had loan spells away at Newport County and Peterborough United.
• The centre-back joined Leeds United on loan in the summer of 2019.
• White did not miss a single Championship game, playing a key role in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League.
• He ended the 2019/20 campaign with 49 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and setting up two goals.

White was one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most important players in 2019/20. So it is hardly surprising that Leeds want to bring him back to Elland Road ahead of the new term. But his performances, naturally, have led to a lot of interest from a number of clubs in the Premier League.

As per the aforementioned report, reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are keen on the 22-year-old, while Chelsea too have taken an interest in White. Along with them, Everton too are in the running to land the centre-back.

Given that both Liverpool and Chelsea will be offering Champions League football, Leeds may find it difficult to compete with them. However, White will be a regular starter at Elland Road and that may not be the case at the other clubs.

Also Read:

• Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani eyes swoop for free agent Edinson Cavani
• Leeds to battle Premier League clubs for Wigan Athletic’s Joe Gelhardt

It will be interesting to see how this transfer story unfolds in the coming weeks.