Brighton manager Graham Potter has commented on reports linking Seagulls defender Ben White to Liverpool in recent weeks.
The 23-year-old is believed to be among a number of centre-backs being targeted by the Reds as they look to ease their defensive shortage following long-term injuries suffered to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
With Manchester United and Chelsea also reportedly in pursuit of the talented defender, Jurgen Klopp could face a battle to land his target.
Potter has now broken his silence over the matter of White’s future in his most recent press conference, saying: “He (White) is a level-headed guy and he wants to play football at the very highest level. He gets down with his work. He was totally professional in the summer despite the noise outside which you cannot control.”
The Seagulls boss continued: “He is a smart guy. We will try to help him enjoy his football as that is the most important thing.”
Former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp said that the Brighton defender was ‘destined for an amazing future’ following his performance against Newcastle United in September.
Klopp was afforded a closer look at White recently when he featured in the Brighton side which held Liverpool to a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium last week. Indeed, the Reds could be set to mount a double raid on the Seagulls as reports have linked the Premier League champions with a move for Yves Bissouma.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
Hardly a come-and-get-him plea, nor was it a firm rebuff from the Brighton boss. The idea of White wanting to play at the top level leaves the door very much ajar for interpretation.
White has been in and around the Liverpool rumour mill since the summer, when his future seemed up in the air following an impressive ever-present loan spell in the Championship with Leeds United last season.
Young, English and likely hungry to improve, he could provide the perfect tonic to the Reds’ current defensive crisis.
