Barcelona, Real Madrid join Liverpool in chase for centre-back

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have reportedly joined Liverpool in the chase to sign a highly-rated Premier League centre-back.

The Reds have been in the market for a new defender ever since they lost Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez at the start of the campaign.

Joel Matip’s continued problems have added to their needs. Indeed, skipper Jordan Henderson has been filling in alongside normal midfield partner Fabinho at the heart of the back four.

Several names have been touted for a switch to Anfield, but Brighton star Ben White has always been in the running.

The 23-year-old, who has been playing in midfield of late, was outstanding on loan at Leeds last season.

However, Marcelo Bielsa’s men were priced out of a summer move for the player, leaving the Reds as the frontrunners for his signature.

The Seagulls are believed to value White at around £50million. But Don Balon (as cited by CaughtOffside) states that they could land the player for around €30m (£26.7m).

 

The report also states, however, that Jurgen Klopp faces some major competition to get his man.

Don Balon claims that both Barca and Real are showing an interest in the ball-playing centre-back.

LaLiga giants like White’s style

The Spanish heavyweights are big fans of White’s versatility and quality in possession. Both clubs are looking at long-term replacements for respective legends Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos.

Ben White

While White would be suited to playing in LaLiga, it is thought he would prefer to remain in England.

That would give Liverpool the edge in the pursuit for his signature. However, it remains to be seen if a deal will go through this month.

There is also a small matter of the large difference in fee, with the England media stating that White is worth £20m more than Spanish reports.

The lower price would certainly interest Barcelona and Real, given the financial struggles in Spain.

But if Brighton demand nearer to £50m, there has to be doubt whether Liverpool would splash out that much for someone who could end up third-choice when Van Dijk and Gomez are fit again.

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