Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, which could have an impact on Ben White’s situation.
White spent last season on loan at Leeds United, playing a key role in Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s incredible campaign.
However, the Seagulls are keen to keep hold of the 22-year-old following his impressive season at Elland Road.
According to reports in the Netherlands, via Sussex Live, van Hecke could be on his way to the Amex Stadium for just €2m.
This may seem surprising with Brighton already possessing seven central defenders - including White.
What Leeds will be hoping is that the Dutch defender is being brought in to replace White, rather than join him as a team-mate.
Bielsa currently has Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi as his central defensive options, including some players from the academy, so the Argentine manager will be desperate to bring in some reinforcements.
Leeds have reportedly already had a couple of bids for White turned down, with Liverpool and Chelsea also said to be interested in the defender.
Brighton are understood to have told Leeds that White is not for sale, and view him as being part of their long-term plans.
Should van Hecke's move materialise though, that would leave the Seagulls with a surplus of centre-backs, and could increase White's chances of being snapped up this summer.
