Leeds can’t miss out on signing Ben White permanently if promoted

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It will surprise no Leeds United supporters that Ben White is attracting Premier League attention after a brilliant start to his loan spell at Elland Road.

White has been outstanding since joining Marcelo Bielsa’s ranks in the summer. He was immediately under enormous pressure with Pontus Jansson being sold shortly after his arrival. But he has dealt with the pressure superbly.

Leeds boast the best defensive record in the Championship this term. And White is the only defender to have played every minute for Leeds.

Keeping him for the season looks to be a must for the promotion-chasing Whites. But there is definitely now a major question mark hanging over his long-term future.

The Chronicle has reported that Newcastle United and Liverpool are interested in the Brighton-owned defender. It is only a matter of time, it seems, before he is playing in the Premier League.

But another aspect of the Chronicle’s report should give Leeds some hope that the door could be open for a longer stay in West Yorkshire – as long as the Whites are promoted this season.

The Chronicle has suggested that White is valued at around £20 million.

Potential bargain?

Given that Leeds only signed players on loan this past summer, they are almost definitely going to have no chance of a permanent deal if they fail to go up – even if White was interested in staying.

But if Bielsa’s men are promoted, the £20 million price-tag surely provides the club with an opportunity too good to even consider passing up.

The riches of the top flight should enable Leeds to pull off some marquee purchases. And for £20 million, White has to be at the top of their list.

His form this season suggests that fee could prove to be a bargain in years to come. He has taken to Championship football so well that it is difficult to imagine White finding himself out of his depth at the highest level.

Leeds need to be promoted to stand any chance of landing White permanently. But if they do go up, they cannot allow the centre-back to go anywhere else if Brighton are willing to accept just £20 million.