Darren Bent simply stated ‘uh-oh’ when he found out that Liverpool have joined Leeds in the race to sign Ben White, as he told TalkSport (09/08/20 at 1:35 pm).
The former striker was initially talking about how he is ‘surprised’ that no other teams apart from Leeds want to sign the Brighton man before he was told that there is more interest in White’s services.
The Daily Star have reported that Liverpool are set to bid £20 million for the centre-back, with Sky Sports claiming over the weekend that Leeds had a £22 million bid rejected for his signature.
Bent shared his thoughts on White and how he needs to be playing on a regular basis, no matter where he ends up, as his ‘uh-oh’ was seemingly aimed at Leeds and how it may get tough for them to sign the Brighton man, especially if a team like Liverpool come knocking.
“The most important thing for him is that he has got to be playing,” Bent told TalkSport. “He has had such a phenomenal season for Leeds and he cannot go back to Brighton and just sit on the bench.
“I think White has got that bit of something extra [compared to the likes of Dunk and Webster] and quality – I am surprised more [teams] haven’t come in for him.
Bent is then told that Liverpool are also looking to sign White: “Uh-oh, how much was he?” Bent responded with laughter.
Liverpool need another centre-back for depth after the departure of Dejan Lovren, but it has to be questioned how much game time White would see if he were to move to Anfield.
At Leeds, he would be a starter, he knows his surroundings, the tactics, coaches and his teammates, so it would be easier for him to continue his rapid rise.
Of course, if Brighton can offer him regular football then he may well stay at the Amex, but if he’s told he has to fight for his place then surely the best option would be for him to move to Elland Road because at least he has guarantees of starting on a regular basis.
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