Leeds United could be facing a problem in trying to keep Ben White at Elland Road beyond the end of the season, should they look to try and strike a deal with Brighton and Hove Albion for the 22-year-old, whilst Kalvin Phillips could also be targeted.
According to a report by Football Insider, Man United are said to be closely monitoring both of them ahead of a potential move for the duo. It has been claimed the Premier League giants are keen on the duo as they regarding them as some of the “best of British young talent” currently in the game.
Indeed, it does not appear to be a surprise as to hear that a club like the Red Devils are interested in signing White at some point, as he has been immense for us and our promotion efforts this season following his loan move from the Seagulls.
The United scouts have also said that they are “blowing them away” when watching the young men, which could spell danger for us in our efforts of keeping the pair in LS11.
The defender has been a key member of Marcelo Bielsa’s side this season and has played 1440 minutes in the Championship, obtaining himself a WhoScored average rating of 7.22/10, which is the second-highest in the entire Leeds squad.
White makes on average 1.9 tackles and 2.9 interceptions per Championship match, which is much better than Manchester United’s Harry Maguire who averages just 0.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions each Premier League game.
Phillips, as has the aforementioned 22-year-old, been a core component of the side this season and his performances continually go from strength-to-strength and impress each and every one of us in the stands that witness them each week.
According to the data collected by WhoScored, the 23-year-old has managed to achieve an average of 3.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.4 clearances in his 16 Championship appearances so far, whilst he has also contributed with 2.1 key passes when going forward with the ball.
Obviously, Leeds fans will not want to sell either player and United are yet to make a formal bid for the players, but should they come knocking it’s going to be very hard for Bielsa to keep the young men.
However, if no approach is made and we manage to get promoted to the Premier League, their prices will sky-rocket which may be enough to deter any rivals bidding for the duo, whilst it may mean we have a better chance of keeping Phillips, as White will likely head back to Brighton.