Liverpool FC have approached Brighton and Hove Albion over the availability of Ben White in the summer transfer window. White, a center-back, has been spending the 2019-20 season on loan at Championship leaders Leeds United FC. However, it is reported that Brighton and Hove Albion may oblige to selling White after the player returns from his loan spell.
The Reds have been informed by the Seagulls that signing White would cost the newly crowned Premier League champions a sum of £35 million. The 22-year old White has impressed several top sides with his performances for Leeds United this season.
Besides Liverpool FC, Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC have also enquired about the central defender’s availability. Moreover, Manchester City FC have been reported to be in the market for a new center-back and have shortlisted White as well. If Leeds United secure a likely promotion to the Premier League, they too would be interested in retaining the services of White.
However, what is surprising is that White has only played twice for Brighton and Hove Albion so far. Also, those two appearances were made in domestic cup ties for the Seagulls.
Despite being a non-starter for his parent club, White has played every minute of Championship football for Leeds United in the current campaign. Although a traditional center-back, the 22-year old White is able to operate as a midfielder as well. The player has often been played by Marcelo Bielsa as a defensive midfielder for Leeds United.
Signing White could be Klopp’s idea to add another defensive reinforcement to the Liverpool FC side. Moreover, there is the looming possibility of Dejan Lovren departing Anfield in the coming months. White could establish himself as a backup option to first-choice Reds center-backs Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
But with Brighton sticking to their price-tag of £35 million, White’s signing could be a costly affair for Jurgen Klopp. The 22-year old player is quite inexperienced to be someone to fork over such a great amount of money on. However, if Klopp thinks White could be a handy acquisition, the Liverpool FC manager would surely seek to secure his signing.
