Report: Leeds rivalling Derby and Leipzig for Brighton teenager Haydon Roberts

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The Telegraph have claimed that Leeds United are one of a number of clubs interested in signing Brighton defender Haydon Roberts – facing competition from Brentford, Derby County and even German giants RB Leipzig.

The Whites are still interested in completing a permanent deal for excellent loanee Ben White this summer, though his value has skyrocketed to £30million after playing every single one of Leeds’ 41 Championship games – before Stoke on Thursday.

But Leeds are already looking at replacements and it seems a case of tried and tested for the Whites, as they look to raid Brighton for a second time and sign another relatively known centre-back.

Roberts made his debut for Brighton this season and surprisingly scored in a Carabao Cup defeat to Aston Villa. He has played 26 times for the club’s Under-23 side, despite being just 18 years of age. He has five England Under-18 caps.

Leeds are not alone in their pursuit of Roberts. As aforementioned, Derby and Brentford are keen while Leipzig and Mainz are keen on luring the centre-back to Germany. It is believed that he is thought of in a similar bracket to White.

TBR’s view – Like-for-like is the next best thing

White has been crucial to Leeds and spending big to keep the future England international at Elland Road is a no-brainer. Whether Leeds will be able to do that, remains to be seen – but White certainly seems as though he wants to stay.

But if Leeds cannot sign White – with a move to a bigger Premier League side or Brighton choosing not to sell – signing his like-for-like is just as important. Whether Roberts will be as good as White remains to be seen, but he certainly has the potential.