Liverpool target Leeds' on-loan Brighton star White as £20m Lovren replacement

Posted Sunday, October 13, 2019 by Thesun.co.uk

Liverpool target Leeds' on-loan Brighton star White as £20m Lovren replacement
Liverpool could move for £20m Ben White - on loan at Leeds from Brighton

LIVERPOOL are targeting Leeds' on-loan Brighton star Ben White in a £20million deal to replace Dejan Lovren, according to reports.

White, 21, has started all 11 Championship games for Leeds this season - and won the PFA Player of the Month award for August.

Now Liverpool are keeping tabs on the young defender as Jurgen Klopp looks to boost his back-line once more.

Reds scouts are said to be "blown away" by White's impressive season and see him as a potentially key player for the future, say Football Insider.

Kop chiefs have had White on their radar for nearly two years - and were given a major boost after he rejected a new contract at the Seagulls in February 2018 - but have ramped up their interest now amidst his incredible 2019-20 season.

Liverpool's centre-back pairing of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip has been impressive this season.

But Joe Gomez, 22, is yet to recreate his best form this season in limited appearances, while Lovren, 30, has played just twice - including a Carabao Cup run-out.

The Anfield side were expected to sell Lovren this summer - with Roma coming desperately close - but ultimately opted against it as they failed to bring in any reinforcements.

But the Croatian is growing tired at a lack of first-team football and at this stage in his career is keen to move on to become a regular elsewhere.

With Liverpool already looking on the light side in defence, Klopp is considering a January move for White - and may have to pay £20m to land him.

The German boss could turn to teenagers Ki-Jana Hoever or Sepp van den Berg if necessary - but neither have any league experience in England.

With Liverpool eight points clear at the top of the Premier League and expecting a charge from Manchester City, Klopp knows he may need to sign an established defender.

And thanks to his excellent play at Elland Road this season, Liverpool could turn to Brighton to sign the defender permanently - ending his loan spell at Leeds.