Report – Big development in Leeds pursuit of Ben White, multiple offers tabled
Leeds United have had two bids turned down for Brighton defender Ben White, according to Sky Sports (16.07).
The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Elland Road, and established himself as an ever-present of Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion winning side.
His parent club have since stated that they are eager to keep hold of the player for as long as possible, but it would appear that the Whites are making firm moves to test their resolve in that regard.
According to Sky’s transfer blog on Saturday afternoon, Leeds have had a pair of offers rebuffed by the Seagulls.
The first came in at £18 million, while it is understood the second was increased to around £22 million.
In an interesting side note to that development, Sky also suggested that the defender has turned down two offers of a contract extension from Brighton.
White has two years left on his current deal, with option of a third written into it.
There’s a lot to unpack here, but let’s start with the bids.
This would suggest that Leeds are very serious about getting a deal over the line for White this summer, and a bid of £22 million is not inconsiderable at all.
Equally, however, the fact that Brighton have turned it down would seemingly suggest that they are serious about keeping hold of him this summer.
The other point in this story is that White himself has turned down two separate offers of a new contract.
That certainly gives the impression that he is open to the prospect of a move.
The fact that he is still tied to a two-year deal complicates matter, granted, but at the very least, it leaves just a glimmer of hope for Leeds that this one isn’t over just yet.
In other Leeds United news, Marcelo Bielsa has been pictured reading a scouting report on this European youngster