Brighton have told Leeds United that centre back Ben White is not for sale during the summer transfer window, a report from the BBC has claimed.
White enjoyed an outstanding campaign on loan at Leeds last season, playing every minute of the club’s Championship title-winning campaign.
It had recently been reported by Sky Sports’ Transfer Centre that Leeds have seen bids of £18.5million and £22million for White rejected by Brighton, with the defender said to have turned down two new contracts at The AMEX Stadium.
Now it seems that Leeds could be set for further disappointment in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, with Brighton reportedly telling the Yorkshire club that White is not for sale this summer, as they continue to see him as part of their long-term plans.
It is also thought that recent reports that Leeds have made a third offer of £30million for White are wide of the mark as things stand.
There are currently two years remaining on White’s contract with Brighton, putting the Seagulls in a good position to negotiate any offers that come in for the centre back.
This will be frustrating for Leeds, as you can certainly understand their desire to bring White back to Elland Road given the quality of his performances for the club last season.
However, the fact that Leeds have apparently not made that £30million bid for White may be a relief for some, considering both White’s lack of experience in the Premier League, and the fact that the club will have to add to other areas of their squad ahead of their return to the top-flight next month.
Indeed, it will be interesting to see how White fares next season if he is to stay at Brighton for the coming campaign, something which will no doubt influence the interest there is in him this time next year.