Ben White: Will Brighton man make Man Utd, Spurs or Chelsea move?

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 4 min read

Brighton defender Ben White continues to be linked with a transfer to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

Reports suggest that Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea are all closely monitoring the 23-year-old centre-back.

Having spent the previous three seasons in the lower reaches of the English game, stepping up a level each year, he now finds himself in the Premier League with the Seagulls.

Leeds were so impressed with the youngster after his loan spell at Elland Road last season that they tabled a £25 million bid in the summer. Brighton would reject it out of hand.

That decision has been vindicated by his performances early in the season. He has missed just 11 minutes of Premier League football since the start of the campaign.

As such, the interest in him continues to grow, but of the leading candidates to sign him, where is he likeliest to end up?

Ben White snapshot:

White to Manchester United

Manchester United have had problems at centre-back that they have been unable to solve for years now. They have thrown money at the issue on numerous occasions, but Harry Maguire, Eric Lindelhof and Eric Bailly among others have not proven to be the answer.

With that in mind, they are still on the look out for an additional reinforcement in that area.

United have made a habit of signing young British talent in recent times, but they will surely have to clear their books to some extent to make way for White. Among those who are out of favour are Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Timothy Fosu-Mensah.

Another aspect counting against the Red Devils in the White chase is their unwillingness to pay over the odds for players. With several teams set for a tug-of-war in this deal, United may be unwilling to compete.

Chelsea

Frank Lampard’s side are young and vibrant, and White would appear to be an obvious fit. Chelsea have successfully integrated Leicester’s Ben Chilwell into their starting XI over the course of the season, which could encourage the 23-year-old to take the plunge.

Although Thiago Silva is performing exceptionally well for the Blues in the heart of their defence, the veteran Brazilian is not a long-term starter.

Fellow summer arrival Malang Sarr, who joined as a free agent after his deal was up with Nice, is not of the standard the Stamford Bridge side demand and was a ‘loan army’ addition. Chelsea will simply be looking to profit from any transfer fee they can get for him.

There is competition at the club from the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christiansen and Fikayo Tomori. It may be that White should elect to prove himself on a longer-term basis in order to have a stronger standing when he does take the step up.

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Tottenham

Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham are also on the lookout for an additional defensive reinforcement. While Spurs’ defensive line appears to be in good shape at present, there are long-term concerns over the fitness of Toby Alderweireld, who are 31 is beginning to push on in years.

White would arrive at the London club just about to hit his prime, and with the defensive nous of Mourinho to help him would surely see his game rapidly develop.

Where does Ben White’s future lie?

Although there are sides currently monitoring White, it seems highly improbable that Brighton would allow him to leave in January. In any case, it would be surprising if any of his suitors decided this was the time to make a move.

It will be the summer before any big developments happen in this case.