Leeds advance deal for Plan B as chief assesses Ben White transfer
Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear insists the club are ‘well down the road’ with other transfer options after providing an update on the pursuit for Ben White.
The 22-year-old became a crucial component in Marcelo Bielsa’s side as Leeds secured promotion to the Premier League.
His partnership with Liam Cooper provided the foundation for what became the hallmark of Leeds’ promotion push.
A league-best 35 goals were conceded, and Leeds are determined to bring the impressive partnership with them into the top flight.
Upon expiry of White’s loan spell from Brighton, the Yorkshire outfit submitted bids of £18.5m and £22m for the player who has also attracted the interest of Liverpool.
Brighton appear adamant in their stance that White is not for sale.
However, the player has just two years left on his deal and has rejected all attempts from the Seagulls on an extension.
As such, it was reported on Wednesday that Leeds have now made a third bid for White.
The third bid – thought to be £25m – will likely be Leeds’ last.
Addressing their chances of signing the defender, Kinnear admitted Leeds were looking at other options too.
“Ben had a wonderful season for us last season,” Kinnear told Sky Sports News.
“He’s a player that we rate very highly and we know the fans love.
“We think Ben enjoyed his time here and we have made no secret of the fact that we’d like to bring him here permanently.
“We also have to be very respectful of the fact he is a Brighton player and he is training with them currently.
“There have been discussions and I think it is going to be challenging to make him a Leeds United player.
“But if it is not Ben White, we have other options which are in advanced stages. We will be closing in on one of them soon.”
Robin Koch an option
One man Leeds have been linked with is Freiburg defender Robin Koch.
Asked whether Leeds fans should be optimistic about players arriving, Kinnear is feeling relaxed.
“We know people want to come play for Leeds in the Premier League,” he added. “I don’t think we are going to have any challenge in attracting the right player.
“What we are finding is the market is moving more slowly than it perhaps would do normally.
“Although we are only a few weeks away from the start of the season in terms of the transfer market we are only a couple of weeks into it.
“I think that deals are going to take time. We’re not going to rush it. We are going to want to secure the right players. We’re confident of getting the three to four key areas we need.
“We are confident of bringing those people in in the window.”
READ MORE: Kinnear provides Bielsa update as trusted source claims deal is agreed
