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Jamie Kemble

Brighton move raises further questions over Ben White's future

Leeds United fans are getting excited after Brighton and Hove Albion completed the signing of a defender on Wednesday.

Brighton brought in Joel Veltman yesterday as they look to strengthen ahead of the new season.

And many have suggested it could mean Ben White is allowed to rejoin Leeds United.

White played a crucial part in United's Championship title win and promotion and it would be huge for Marcelo Bielsa and his Premier League plans if he was able to get the promising centre-back for another season.

Though, Brighton boss Graham Potter has suggested White is going nowhere.

He said: "He's our player, he's got a long contract with us.

"I have known Ben for a while, I have been aware of him, wanted to try and sign him when we were at Swansea.

"I know about his qualities. He's a fantastic player. He's done brilliantly at Leeds and helped them get promotion - that's fantastic for them, fantastic for him - but he's our player and we're looking forward to working with him.

Ben White against Charlton (Michael Regan/Getty Images)

"He complements us really well. He's got attributes that are really, really useful and he's going to be a top player."

Things change, however, and Leeds fans are hoping that is the case after the Seagulls signed Veltman from Ajax.

Brighton paid just £900,000 for Veltman - activating his release clause - despite the 27-year-old being an experienced defender at a high level.

Veltman made 179 league appearances for Ajax since 2012, winning 22 caps for Netherlands.

But can he keep White out of the team, or could he be a potential partner for the 22-year-old?

In truth, it could be neither with Veltman being a right-back as well as a centre-back.

If Potter does indeed play him as a right-back, Veltman's arrival would be no such boost in Leeds' hopes of landing White after all.

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