Everton manager Rafael Benitez is determined to pip Arsenal to the signing of Ben White, according to The Sun.
What’s the story?
Arsenal are very keen on White and have had two bids for the Brighton and Hove Albion central defender already rejected, according to the report.
However, Everton are now also showing intense interest.
New Everton manager Benitez has told the Toffees to get him the former Leeds United loanee.
The Toffees are willing to pay the £50 million transfer fee that Brighton are looking for the 23-year-old.
The England international, who can also operate as a right-back and as a midfielder, is Benitez’s ‘number one choice’.
Making a mark already
Benitez is a defensive-minded caution-first kind of manager.
It does not come as a surprise at all that the former Liverpool boss wants to sign White, described as “fantastic” by Arsenal legend Ian Wright on ITV (7:10pm, June 6, 2021).
The 23-year-old has been superb over the past two seasons, first helping Leeds win promotion from the Championship and then assuring that Brighton do not get relegated from the Premier League.
With Everton now getting involved, it will be interesting to see what White eventually decides.
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