Have Derby now ended Leeds United’s hopes of re-signing Ben White?

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Leeds United reportedly remain in talks over a move to bring Ben White back to Elland Road but the chances are that he will remain at Brighton – and Derby County may now have ended any remaining hope.

White, 22, starred for Leeds last season – playing all 49 matches in all competitions as the Whites gained promotion as Championship title winners. Leeds have made no secret that they want to keep the central defender.

Sky Sports claim Brighton have rejected a third bid of £25million from Leeds for White, after previously having £18.5million and £22million offers turned down. That is, despite Brighton having a cluster of central defenders.

The plethora of Brighton defenders includes Lewis Dunk, Shane Duffy, Adam Webster, Dan Burn, Joel Veltman, Leo Ostigard, Matt Clarke and White. Duffy is in talks with Celtic, but it is Clarke that may have ended Leeds’ hopes.

That is because Derby are set to re-sign Clarke on a second season-long loan spell – as per Sky Sports. He played 37 times for Philipp Cocu’s side last season, and won the Fans’ Player of the Year award.

Dunk and Veltman are expected to be first choice, with Burn potentially being used as a left-sided defender. White is expected to be in the mix, especially if Graham Potter uses a three-man defence.

But with Clarke leaving on loan, White’s importance grows at Brighton. It might just be, then, that Clarke’s imminent return to Derby may see Leeds’ hopes of re-signing White come to an end.