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Ben White is a name constantly mentioned by Leeds United supporters, as his time at Elland Road is up and during his season-long loan spell he’s played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion.

The 22-year-old defender has been a colossus at the back in Marcelo Bielsa’s team since joining from Premier League side Brighton, with his reputation soaring during the year.

He’s a ball-playing centre-back that has made the Championship look a breeze at times, plus he’s dropped into the midfield on a few occasions to showing his maturity as a footballer.

It’s common knowledge that the Yorkshire giants would love to sign him permanently to help them in the Premier League next season, with the Express one of numerous outlets claiming they want him.

Leeds have been dealt a blow recently though by hearing Brighton manager Graham Potter comment on White, who he has indicated his future is at the Amex.

“He’s our player, he’s got a long contract with us,” Potter told Sussex Live.

“He’s done brilliantly at Leeds and helped them get promotion. That’s fantastic for them, fantastic for him but he’s our player and we’re looking forward to working with him.”

But have Leeds been given some encouragement?

Leeds appear to be unlikely to sign White on the face of it, but perhaps a new report could give them some hope in bringing in someone who has clearly loved his time at Elland Road during the last 12 months?

According to the Daily Mail, Brighton have made an approach to German club Paderborn about their centre back Luca Kilian, who is valued at around £3million.

Brighton already have the likes of Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster and Shane Duffy as options in the heart of their defence, which makes it hard to see where White would slot in.

A move to sign another centre-back suggests Potter wants even more options, especially as 20-year-old Kilian is someone who was a nailed-on starter earlier in the season in the Bundesliga and is highly-rated.

It’s intriguing to see what role Potter has in mind for White next season at Brighton and perhaps this development could give Leeds some encouragement, as they would certainly offer first-team football.

There is no doubt he would be the perfect summer signing, as he is someone that knows the Bielsa system inside out and lokos more than strong enough to make an instant impact in the top-flight.