Liverpool have reportedly shelved their plans to sign Ben White.
The former Leeds United loanee dazzled during a spell at Elland Road under Marcelo Bielsa last term, helping the Whites to a first Premier League promotion in 16 years.
But United saw no fewer than three bids – the largest of which is reported to be £30 million – for the 22-year-old turned down.
The Star reported in August that Liverpool were also set to make a £20 million offer for White.
But the young English centre-back signed a new deal with the Seagulls this week and, according to The Liverpool Echo, the Premier League champions could try and sign him next summer.
The report adds that the Reds have scouted White ‘extensively’ and it’ll be interesting to see how he fares with Albion this season.
As talented as he is, the Premier League is an enormous step-up on the Championship and being brilliant in the second tier doesn’t mean much in the top flight.
That being said, he is clearly a major talent and Bielsa wouldn’t want him permanently if there was any doubts that he was able for increase in competition.
As for Liverpool, this benefits the likes of Billy Koumetio and Sepp van den Berg.
With Jurgen Klopp already boasting a deluge of central defenders, Koumetio and Van den Berg – who are both teenagers – might’ve found it much harder to break into the German’s senior squad long term if White.
Who knows, if either one of them can impress in the cup competitions next season then maybe it’ll convince the club’s hierarchy to promote Koumetio or Van den Berg instead of going after White.
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