It was a sobering thought for Leeds United fans was how they would replace Pontus Jansson after the Swede’s enforced move to Brentford over the summer.
Jansson had been a mainstay and rock at the back for the Whites since his arrival from Torino, yet a falling out of sorts with Marcelo Bielsa meant that his cards were marked at Elland Road. That proved to be just the case, Jansson moving to London with the Bees for a reputed £5.5m fee.
Jansson’s replacement, on-loan youngster Ben White, was chastised by some as not replacing like with like in that experience was being shored up with untried youth. Oh, how those that thought that must be feeling now! Brighton’s White has emerged as one of the Sky Bet Championship’s most effective defenders over the opening 11 games he has played.
He won the September player of the month competition and has won over even the sourest of Whites fans with his coolness and calmness on the ball. Such has been his effectiveness in replacing Swedish international Jansson that the latter has largely been forgotten at Elland Road.
However, this start to his on-loan spell with the Whites has not gone unnoticed and has drawn interest from none other than Champions League winners, and Premier League leaders, Liverpool. The Mail Online, per The Sun, says that this interest is one where the Merseysiders will be entertaining a bid for the young defender.
The Mail Online’s Alec Fenn says that the Reds are “reportedly targetting a £20 million move” for Ben White, a move that could come as early as January. This move comes amidst preparations to sell Dejan Lovren with the Anfield outfit having “been impressed with White’s performances” so far for Leeds United.
Such a move could be detrimental to Leeds United’s promotion hopes, January coming at a time that has regularly seen a downturn in the West Yorkshire club’s consistency and performances.
