Report: Liverpool and Chelsea want to hijack Leeds’ bid for Ben White, £22m already rejected

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool are still interested in signing Brighton defender, Ben White, but face competition from Chelsea if they are to land the former Leeds United loanee. 

According to the Daily Star, the Reds are still keeping tabs on White as they weigh up defensive reinforcements following the sale of Dejan Lovren.

However, the report also states that Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is a big fan of White and is even willing to sell Antonio Rudiger in order to fund a move for the 22-year-old.

Leeds also want the defender back at Elland Road, with Sky Sports reporting last night that a £22m bid has been knocked back by Brighton.

It could mean, then, that Liverpool or Chelsea need to be paying around £30m for Brighton to even consider selling their man. That fee could prove problematic given the current climate, especially for the Reds.

White was in fine form for Leeds last season, helping the Whites to promotion. Subsequently, he was voted as the Young Player of the Year at Elland Road for his efforts.

Ben White is special but it’s a risky move to splash a big sum at the moment – TBR View

We can all see that White is going to be a fine player and he has all the hallmarks of being a top-class central defender.

Obviously, Leeds saw all they needed to see last season and are now keen to get him back.

For Liverpool, though, it would be a risk. For one, he wouldn’t be guaranteed a place in the first XI, while secondly, they have yet to see how he copes at Premier League level.

So, while White looks quality, perhaps £30m might be a bit much for the Reds as things stand.