Leeds United target Ben White is resisting a new contract at Brighton and Hove Albion despite being offered a £25,000-a-week deal according to the Sun (16 August, page 58).
While chairman Tony Bloom has admitted himself that the Seagulls have an ‘abundance’ of centre-halves at their disposal, do not make the mistake in assuming that Brighton are simply going to wish White well and book him a one-way trip to Elland Road.
The epitome of a modern-day, ball-playing centre-half, arguably the best player in the Championship’s best team last season is pretty much tailor-made for Graham Potter’s possession-heavy principles.
It is no secret that Brighton would rather push Shane Duffy out the door, with the much-coveted Irishman a relic of the bygone Chris Hughton era.
But, while the South Coast club have made it clear that White is in their plans, Leeds are not going to accept defeat until the transfer window slams shut in early October.
The Sun reports that the Premier League newcomers have launched a £30 million bid – one that would see their finest defender since a young Rio Ferdinand become the most expensive player in Leeds’ 100-year history.
The Sun adds, however, that the £50 million-rated White is reluctant to put pen to paper on a new deal with Brighton, despite being offered £25,000-a-week.
This already feels like a saga with more instalments than the Saw series. And it is not even September yet.
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