Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst is, arguably, one of the most reliable individuals when it comes to transfers, and has provided a further update for us regarding one of our main targets.
It is concerning Ben White, even though he signed a new contract with Brighton and Hove Albion this summer.
We have been heavily linked with a move for the 22-year-old this summer, as we were looking to bolster our strength in depth at the back.
This comes after he reportedly left our scouts gobsmacked with his performances last season for Leeds United, according to Football Insider, where he spent a season a loan and helped them secure the Championship title with Marcelo Bielsa.
Speaking on the Blood Red Podcast, Gorst provided an interesting update on our pursuit for White.
He said: “I was made aware that Liverpool had scouted him extensively while he was on loan at Leeds last season, but there was an acceptance that he was always going to sign a new contract with Brighton and I think he’s coming in as Shane Duffy’s replacement at the Amex this season.
“I think not just Liverpool, I think there will be other clubs keeping a close eye on how he develops and how he gets on in his first full season in the Premier League, and if he does continue on an upward trajectory, then I think we might see Liverpool – you can’t say return to the table because they were never at it, but they’re definitely keeping an eye on him, and they will continue to do that and maybe next summer it could be a case of he’s someone who they do look at.”
L4L’s view…
Valued at £4.95m by TransferMarkt, White is an impressive footballer and would certainly make us into a stronger defensive unit.
It’s fair to say that he is behind Joe Gomez as far as player development is concerned, taking into an account that he is a year old than the Seagulls’ centre half.
Despite this, White was very good for Leeds, starting all 46 games and averaging 2.5 interceptions, 2.7 clearances, 2.8 long balls and a pass success rate of 84.6%, as per Whoscored.
Gomez only started 22 times last season due to various fitness niggles, which is why we could still be tempted in the youngster coming in as possible back-up for us.
If Gorst’s comments are correct, we could be in for a fight on our hands with other top sides for his signature.
