Liam Cooper has admitted Leeds United may struggle to keep hold of Ben White amid reported interest from 'bigger' clubs.
The Whites are keen to sign then defender, who has played every minute for Leeds this season, permanently after promotion to the Premier League.
Brighton are adamant White will remain their player this summer, with boss Graham Potter stating: "That he's contracted with us and that he's on loan at Leeds.
"He's our player. It's fantastic he's had this year with Leeds. Everybody won in that Ben got some great experience. Leeds achieved their goal of promotion.
"But we rate him highly. I've followed his career personally from when he was at Newport and Peterborough.
"As I've said before, we were aware of him at Swansea and we'd be trying to sign him ourselves were we still there.
"We like him a lot. He's a really good player and thankfully he's our player."
However, there have been reports of interest from the Premier League's top-six clubs, with Manchester United and Liverpool linked over the last 12 months.
Cooper is hoping that Leeds can keep hold off White, who he paid testament, having replaced Pontus Jansson in the team last summer.
"He has (been fantastic. Especially being unproven at the level," Cooper told Quest.
"We lost Pontus (Jansson) and everyone is judging Ben (White) straight away. I think his form and his consistency and the level he's reached has spoken for itself.
"He's been unbelievable. He's a great lad and he has the world at his feet. Hopefully, he can be with Leeds United.
"We know the bigger clubs might come sniffing but hopefully, we can keep hold off him and he can develop into a top-class centre-half with us."
