Speaking recently on The Extra Ball podcast, Leeds United managing director Angus Kinnear discussed the latest on the club’s pursuit of Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back Ben White.
The defender highly impressed over his season-long loan spell at Elland Road last season, being everpresent in the club’s 46 Championship fixtures, chipping in with one goal and providing two assists, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.09 – ranking him as the club’s fifth-best performer over their title-winning campaign.
As a result of his fine performances, it is reported that Leeds are keen on bringing the player back to Elland Road on a permanent basis this summer, however, Brighton are reluctant to see the 22-year-old leave the south coast for anything less than their £50 million asking price.
Kinnear provided an update on the White transfer situation, stating that it looks like a deal for the £4.95 million-rated defender will be very difficult to do at present.
He said: “I think it’s going to be incredibly challenging – is the latest position. We’ve made no secrets of how highly we rate Ben, you saw what he did [last] season.
“The reality is, he did a wonderful job for us, but he’s a Brighton player. They rate him very highly, I’m sure they see us as a rival. There is competition for his position at Brighton. I would imagine they’re going to be giving him a level of confidence that he’s going to be selected week in, week out.
“The conversations are continuing, but we have to be respectful of Brighton’s position and the fact that he is their player. There is no lack of financial commitment in terms of trying to secure him, but there comes a point where you have to accept that it’s not going to happen and you don’t pursue someone for too long at the expense of other targets.
“We have two or three other names in terms of that position who supporters should be really excited about. I know that emotionally, it won’t have the same appeal as getting Ben back. But if it doesn’t work with Ben, then I think we’ve got some good cover lined up.”
Are you confident a deal can be agreed to bring Ben White back to Elland Road next season?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
While White is undoubtedly a top drawer centre-back, £50 million does seem ridiculously expensive for a defender who, as yet, has not played a minute of Premier League football.
Furthermore, it would seem from Kinnear’s comments that he is suggesting the club may move onto other targets in the position, which will most likely be unwanted news for fans of Leeds.