Liverpool remain interested in Ben White, despite his new contract, according to reports. The Brighton defender certainly has his suitors.
This comes from the Liverpool Echo’s Agenda Podcast. There, Paul Gorst claims that the Reds will ‘continue’ to look at Ben White even after his new contract, potentially looking to sign the player next summer.
White was reportedly subject to bids from Leeds United this summer, where he spent last season. Sky Sports claim Brighton rejected £22m from them, while the Star believes they wanted £40m.
In the end, though, White signed a new contract.
What RTK has to say
It all makes sense. The ‘continue’ part certainly suggests Liverpool looked at White this summer but, understandably, didn’t want to pay £40m for him. He’s never played regular Premier League football, after all, only making his name in the Championship.
But if he’s at Brighton this year, then the Reds can have a proper look at him. He’d likely cost more than £40m, however, if he proves to be a Premier League quality defender.
We’ve certainly seen Liverpool pay a premium for players they like, though. And if they’re willing to keep waiting for White, we’d have to assume he’s someone they rate quite highly.
Tellingly, Liverpool didn’t sign a defender this summer despite selling Dejan Lovren. There’s a free space, then, and one that White could fill in a year’s time. It will surely come down to price – if he does prove to be good enough.
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