Transfer Centre

Leeds United eye cut-price deal for Brighton & Hove Albion's Ben White?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 20 April 2020

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire tips Leeds United to try to sign Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White for a cut-price fee later in 2020.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has tipped Leeds United to try to push through a permanent deal for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White.

While the 22-year-old has starred on loan at the Yorkshire giants in the Championship this season, the Seagulls are expected to do everything that they can to retain the centre-back's services.

However, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Maguire has used the scenario to explain how clubs may be forced into a re-think over their transfer plans.

Speaking to The Express, Maguire said: "I think in respect of the teams coming up they will probably spend a little bit less but that's partly due to the fact they will be able to buy the players slightly cheaper.

"Leeds have had Ben White on loan from Brighton this year. Now, I think Brighton would have been looking for a very high price for Ben White because he's probably one of the best centre-backs in the Championship.

"I've got some friends who support Leeds who say he's the best centre-back they've had since Rio Ferdinand. In the market in the sort of mid-tier clubs I think there will be a decline in value so they may be able to get him for £4-5m less than they initially thought."

White currently has just over two years remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium.