Adam Pope: Leeds will avoid Ben White even if he is available
BBC journalist Adam Pope believes Leeds United will not make a move for Ben White even if he is available in the summer.
Pope argues that the Whites have a lot of competition for places in defence and suggests Victor Orta would use the resources he has to strengthen other areas first.
Leeds are still fond of White, according to Pope, but he believes the form of players like Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk means the club is not in need of any more centre-backs.
Leeds had a bid rejected for White last summer.
Appearing on the BBC’s Albion Unlimited show, Pope said, “They’ve got mega competition for places now.
“Robin Koch has come back after a really difficult injury, he can also play defensive midfield, which I know Ben played a little bit for Leeds.
“Add to that Diego Llorente a Spain international… he’s playing literally out of his skin at the moment, he’s been superb in this run of games.
“So that right-sided player in the defence I don’t think they’re short of at the moment.
“If they had the money to stockpile them – and I don’t think they’re at that level yet – then great, but right now I think it’s the least of their worries.
“They’ve got two left-sided players at the back in Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk who’s been sensational.
“In terms of centre-backs they’ve got plenty but they love Ben White… if the opportunity arose I’m just wondering if Leeds’ resources would be better placed elsewhere at this moment.”
Time to move on?
Many Leeds fans have fond memories of White and we would be very excited if he returned to Elland Road, but not signing him is not the end of the world.
Orta has proved he has an eye for defensive talent and Llorente and Koch have both showed signs that they could be excellent for us.
The Struijk project is another thing to get very excited about, as he possesses a similar ability on the ball to White and commands his area well.
He is only 21, too, and seems to be constantly progressing, which is great news.
Leeds are bigger than any one player or individual, and Marcelo Bielsa’s system helps with that.
We have even managed well without Raphinha recently, picking up draws against Liverpool and Manchester United.
Because of that, missing out on White will not have a massive effect, and we are confident the team will continue improving thanks to Bielsa and Orta’s guidance.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Coup’ – Leeds poised for major financial boost as reliable journalist reports huge development.