Liverpool are reportedly eyeing an opening bid of £40 million for Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Ben White to strengthen their defensive department.
According to a recent report by Football Insider, reigning Premier League champions Liverpool are plotting an opening offer of around £40 million for the Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Ben White in the summer transfer window.
The Merseyside giants’ exploration for a proper defender continues, and by looking at the circumstances, the Englishman could emerge as a fresh recruit in the upcoming transfer window.
White, 23, has been an immense figure for the Seagulls in this campaign, and his sudden emergence has caught the sights of Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and assistant Pepijn Lijnders. As the Reds venture through various possible options for a commanding defender, they seem to have narrowed down on White and are lining up a summer move for him.
White’s impressive ability to flourish under difficult circumstances has not gone unnoticed by the English giants, as the Reds have been monitoring the development of the player with a keen eye. Till date, he has managed to grab 26 appearances across all competitions in this season, with his form blossoming under present manager Graham Potter.
In an engaging event at Anfield earlier this month, Brighton pulled off a famous victory against Liverpool. White played an influential part in that particular contest, standing firm against the threats of the Reds’ forwards, which is the reason why the Liverpool manager and his assistant seem enthusiastic to make the player their own come summer.
After the departure of Dejan Lovren at the end of the last season, Liverpool’s fortunes have been battered by unanticipated injury blows, which has played a crucial role in their struggles this term. Klopp has been sweating over the fitness woes of his squad throughout the season, and his desperation in such a fragile situation does make sense.
In spite of the fresh recruitments in the winter transfer window, Liverpool will need to bolster their defensive options at the end of the season if they are to rise back to the top. The Merseyside giants have previously shown an interest in White, and as circumstances reflect, it is high time for them to act on it once the transfer window is open for business.
White signed a new contract with Brighton last summer, which runs till 2024. The Seagulls are desperate to hold onto the defender, which is understandable given his potential and the versatility that he has demonstrated this season.
Apart from White, Liverpool have recently set their eyes on the Florentina defender Nikola Milenkovic as well. And it now remains to be seen whether the Reds will be able to get their hands on their long-term transfer target from Brighton or be forced to explore other scenarios around Europe.