Manchester United have added Brighton defender Ben White to their centre-back options for the next two transfer windows.
MEN Sport understands United are huge admirers of White, as well as RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, as they consider a swoop for a central defender in 2021.
White, 23, is playing his first season of Premier League football with Brighton after impressing on loan in the Championship with Leeds United last term and winning many plaudits. He has become renowned for his ability to play out from the back and can also operate in defensive midfield.
United may face competition for his signature, with Leeds keen to bring White back to Elland Road and Liverpool also linked with a move amid their defensive injury crisis.
It is understood Brighton are determined to keep the 23-year-old until the end of the season at least, though they may be resigned to a summer sale depending on the price.
United opted not to move for a centre-back in the summer due to having a number of unwanted defenders still on their books. Chris Smalling eventually sealed a permanent move to Roma but United were unable to offload Phil Jones or Marcos Rojo. Axel Tuanzebe has been the principal back-up to Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof so far this season with Eric Bailly again plagued by injuries.
Brighton boss Graham Potter did not deny interest from top clubs in White while addressing the player’s future at a recent press conference, but insisted the player is focussed on playing for the Seagulls.
“I have no worries about Ben getting his head turned at all,” said Potter.
“He is a level-headed guy that wants to play football.
“Of course he wants to play football at the highest level, just like you want all your players to have those ambitions.
“But he gets his head down and gets on with his work and he was totally professional in summer, despite the noise from outside which you can’t control.
“He knows that. He is a smart guy and we will just carry on getting on with our work and try to help him enjoy his football, which is the most important thing.”
United have been heavily touted for a Upamecano transfer, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauding the Frenchman before the home game against Leipzig in this season’s Champions League.
Upamecano missed his side’s 3-2 defeat of United in Germany this week through suspension. Both Upamecano, 22, and White fit United’s preference for young and hungry players and would significantly upgrade Solskjaer’s defensive options. United have kept just one clean sheet in their past nine games, shipping nine goals in their past four matches.
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