Ben White ‘complimented’ reported Leeds United target Haydon Roberts

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Leeds United are reportedly set to battle Brentford, Derby County, and RB Leipzig for the signing of Brighton youngster Haydon Roberts. 

The England under-18 international is, according to The Telegraph, on the radar of Leeds after his impressive performances for the Seagulls under-23s this season.

Roberts even scored on his professional debut for Brighton earlier this season, in an EFL Cup loss to Aston Villa. 

Of course, Leeds have plucked an unknown defender from Brighton recently. Ben White arrived a year ago to little fanfare. He has since gone on to thrive as one of the Championship’s best defenders. 

Leeds fans would be hoping that the club are repeating the trick and it turns out White is a fan of the player. 

Speaking to the Brighton and Hove Independent in September, Roberts suggested that White, along with Seagulls team-mate Lewis Dunk, had ‘complimented’ him during pre-season. 

“Dunky being from Brighton and myself being from Brighton you always look up to senior members like that.

“Hopefully one day I can play alongside him. Before the game he had a nice chat with me. So did Ben White in pre-season. He complimented me when I trained with the first team.”

Leeds fans will no doubt be open to the idea of snapping up the 18-year-old. 

The emergence of White this season has showcased how it is sometimes the lesser-known targets that can truly shine if given the right opportunity. 

Of course, in an ideal world, Leeds would like to have both White and Roberts on their books. That seems unlikely. But if Roberts can fill his boots, this might be the perfect antidote.