Leeds United are reportedly set to miss out on the chance to sign central defender Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.
Last week, there were reports that the south coast club are not willing to sell to Leeds, who they feel will be battling with them for a similar position on the Premier League table.
And Alex Levack, who is the agent of the 22-year-old defender has confirmed Brighton’s stance at the moment, ruling him out of a potential return to Elland Road this summer.
“The latest is there’s a lot of conversations happening. Unfortunately for the Leeds fans, Ben’s just not going to be coming to Leeds. Brighton have categorically said that there’s no way that they’re going to sell to Leeds. So unfortunately, that’s the case,” he told Sky Sports.
“There’s conversations going on. Ben’s away, up in Scotland with the Brighton team for pre-season, getting himself fit, getting around the team. I would say, watch this space over the next few days.”
Having impressed with Marcelo Bielsa’s side during the 2019/20 campaign in the Sky Bet Championship, Leeds were hopeful of securing the signature of the player on a permanent deal.
He helped the club to 22 clean sheets in the Champions as they won the title to gain promotion to the Premier League after 16 years absence.
During Leeds’ Championship title celebration, the fans urged the club to make White’s deal a permanent one singling him out for praise during the night.
However, the Whites have had three bids turned down by Brighton with the Seagulls not prepared to allowed the centre-back to move to Yorkshire this season.
The agent’s comments could also prompt that there could be a new deal in line for White at the Amex Stadium, with the player said to have turned down a number of contract offers from Brighton already.
