The future of Leeds’ on-loan centre-half Ben White was described in emphatic terms by Brighton chief executive Paul Barber after a young Whites fan offered the contents of his piggy bank to secure a permanent move.
White, 22, has been a revelation at Elland Road this season.
A veteran of every minute of Leeds’ promotion chasing league campaign, his partnership alongside Liam Cooper formed the bedrock of a defence that conceded the fewest goals in the league (30) at the time of football’s hiatus.
His performances attracted the attentions of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, with one outlet suggesting he’d be a perfect Dejan Lovren replacement despite Reds scouts identifying one major flaw in the defender’s game.
Leeds are understandably keen to turn White’s temporary spell in Yorkshire permanent, and one young Whites fan in particular attempted to aid his club by writing a letter to Brighton offering his entire £15.07 fortune to seal the deal.
The heartwarming gesture was highlighted via Brighton’s official Twitter account, and the club’s chief executive Barber spoke to Sky Sports News to address the future of White.
Barber said (via the Yorlshire Evening Post): “We did receive an offer from a young man called Daniel, literally raising his piggy bank to try and prize Ben White from us.”
Daniel Auton family please get in touch
— Benjamin White (@ben6white) April 19, 2020
“We don’t usually talk about our transfer business publicly but we wanted to send a very clear message to five year old Leeds fans everywhere that Ben is not for sale.
“It was great to see the letter from the young man.
“I am sure he had help from a family member in drafting the letter but it takes a couple of minutes to reply to a young kid that loves his club and particularly loves Ben White who is a terrific young player.
“He’s clearly got a great eye for talent because we like Ben very much and we see him as a very important part of our future but it seemed like the courteous thing to do to reply to the young man and it’s a great bit of publicity for him.”
Leeds chairman joined in with the fun and games in response to the young fan while hinting that the club won’t be put off attempting to sign White on a permanent basis so easily.
In response to a screenshot of Barber’s reply, Radrizzani said: “Great job Daniel! You are welcome to join the club and help Victor Orta after your school! We will top up your offer for Ben and go back to Mr Barber.”
The post Leeds met with firm Brighton stance after heartwarming Ben White ‘offer’ appeared first on teamtalk.com.
Steve Pearson
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