Leeds offered White hope as Brighton plan to cut centre-back ‘abundance’
Brighton chairman Tony Bloom has confirmed plans to trim the squad down, referencing his club’s “abundance” of centre-backs including Leeds United target Ben White.
White featured in all 46 of Leeds’ games as Marcelo Bielsa‘s side clinched a long-awaited Premier League return.
Such a presence was also a key factor in Leeds keeping the Championship’s best defensive record.
White, however, recently returned to the Seagulls after the end of his loan spell in West Yorkshire. He has since been joined there by former Ajax defender Joel Veltman.
Bloom says his side now have a host of centre-back options, adding that not all the players in his squad will be there when the new Premier League season starts on September 12.
“I’m not going to speculate on whether we may or may not get offers for many of our players,” he told The Athletic.
“We certainly do have an abundance of centre-backs and there are constant discussions between myself and Graham [Potter] and Dan [Ashworth, technical director] and the recruitment team about what our needs are, what’s going to be happening.
“There will be some players who go out on loan at some point during pre-season or the first few weeks of the season.
“There are lots of things to make decisions on, but it’s a really good thing that we’ve got some very good players in our squad, not all of whom will be in our squad come the end of the transfer window.”
Leeds are yet to make any new signings ahead of their return to the top flight.
However, owner Andrea Radrizzani previously said he will invest to give the Whites a strong chance in the division.
LEEDS GIVEN COLD SHOULDER BY JONATHAN DAVID?
One player reportedly on Leeds’ transfer wish list is Gent striker Jonathan David.
A new striker is allegedly a priority for Bielsa, who wants support up top for Patrick Bamford.
However, the latest report claims Canada international David is one player who will not be joining.