Leeds United are close to reaching an agreement with Brighton that will see defender Ben White spend the rest of the season with the Whites.
The centre-back signed for Marcelo Bielsa’s side prior to the current campaign and the deal, like every other loan deal, ran until the end of June. Of course, the current situation means that the season is going to run way past that, with the EFL hoping to conclude their campaign by the start of August.
As a result, the Yorkshire outfit have been in contact with clubs about extending loan deals for their current players and the Telegraph revealed that productive talks have been held with the Seagulls and White looks set to stay until the season ends. Importantly, they add that Leeds have ensured the agreement will see the player available for the play-offs if the team slip down the table in the coming months.
Should Leeds pay £25m+ to sign Ben White permanently?
Yes
No
Although, that does seem unlikely, with Bielsa’s men currently seven points clear of third-placed Fulham with just nine games scheduled to play. And, they will be delighted to have White available for the run-in as he has been a hugely influential figure, playing in every single league game this season and teammate Patrick Bamford has suggested he is one of four who could scoop the Player of the Year award at Elland Road.
Therefore, Leeds would love to sign the 22-year-old permanently but Brighton owner Tony Bloom has made it clear the player has a future with them, whilst Chelsea are among a host of top clubs credited with an interest in the £25m-rated man.