West Bromwich Albion could be about to deliver a blow to Leeds United's hopes of landing Ben White as they step up their interest in Seagulls defender Shane Duffy.
Brighton currently have a logjam of defenders at the AMEX Stadium with White and Duffy up against the likes of Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Matthew Clarke and new signing Joel Veltman at the back.
Following his superlative loan stint at Elland Road this season, Leeds have made White one of their transfer priorities, but know that they face a number of stumbling blocks if they are to seal a deal.
Brighton boss Graham Potter has consistently spoken about his desire to keep White, who played every single minute of Leeds' Championship-winning campaign, while the centre-back also has a number of big name suitors, with Liverpool and Chelsea being credited with interest in White.
According to Birmingham Live, a first domino could fall in this complex situation as West Brom have held talks with Duffy over a potential move to the Hawthorns, after the Sun reported that the Republic of Ireland international will be moved on to accommodate White.
West Ham United are also said to be looking at Duffy, but the Hammers need to sell before they can bring in new faces.
A £10million fee has been quoted for Duffy, with Slaven Bilic identifying the 28-year-old as a key target as the Baggies look to strengthen following their promotion to the Premier League.
This comes after White was challenged to prove himself at Premier League level by Brighton's pathway development manager David Weir.
Weir told the Seagulls website : "Ben played every minute, which is really impressive. Like Christian Walton he has come through and played at different levels and matched the level expected of him.
"He has stood out in the Championship – he has continued to improve at a gradual rate. Now he has to come back to us and prove that he is a Premier League player.
"He has shown that he is good enough to be promoted out of the Championship and be consistent."
