Kalvin Phillips has revealed to the Leeds That podcast that Ben White was ‘gutted’ when he wasn’t able to sign for Leeds United this summer.
White helped Leeds to promotion last term and was a key player for them as they returned to the top flight.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side pushed hard to make the move into a permanent one this summer, but Brighton & Hove Albion stood firm and refused all their offers.
Leeds ultimately felt that the transfer was just becoming too expensive, with White penning a new contract with Brighton in the end.
But Phillips claims that the youngster was really disappointed he didn’t move to Elland Road at first.
“I spoke to Ben after his game the other day. Obviously he was gutted at the time when he didn’t sign, but it came to a point where you have to just forget about the chance to play for Leeds and just play football,” Phillips said.
“I don’t really talk to him about football now, just ask how he and his family are doing.”
White, who was described as ‘unbelievable’ by Liam Cooper last season (Yorkshire Evening Post), has gone on to play regularly at Brighton this term, and he has impressed during his first few appearances in the top flight.
After failing to get White, Leeds went out and signed Robin Koch and Diego Llorente to strengthen their defence.
Koch has filled the void left by White well so far, but Llorente is yet to be fit enough to make his debut.
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