Reliable journalist: Leeds make big Ben White decision after Brighton valuation delivered

Leeds United are “looking at alternative targets” with Brighton looking for too much money for centre-back Ben White.

That’s the big decision that’s been made by the Whites according to The Mirror journalist David Anderson.

He claims that while Leeds were willing to bid over £30m for the player who spent last season on-loan at Elland Road, they won’t match Brighton’s £40m valuation.

He said they “will not be held to ransom” over the deal by Brighton.

Time has come to move on

This might seem like bad news for Leeds but it will actually come as a relief to fans.

This saga with Brighton has been going on long enough and Leeds can’t afford to either play £40m for White or to let Brighton keep them on the hook any longer.

This comes at the same time as it’s been reported that they’ve identified Robin Koch as an alternative and he would come a lot cheaper.

We really hoped White would come back to Leeds but we’re not a one-man team and Bielsa needs his players in place for pre-season.

If Brighton don’t sell this summer and end up getting relegated, then Leeds can go back in for White next summer when he’s got just one year left on his contract.

Playing under Potter will be tough on White after he developed so brilliantly under Bielsa but we wish him all the best.

He was a huge part of our promotion last season and it’s a shame it doesn’t look like it’s going to work out.

If Brighton are bluffing we should find out soon – and £30m is a huge amount of money for a centre-back who’s untested in the Premier League.

In other Leeds United news, ‘That’s a no then’, ‘Jesus’ – Some Leeds fans react as top attacking target posts Twitter update