Chelsea and Liverpool to rival Leeds for Brighton defender

 

Liverpool and Chelsea are prepared to rival Leeds in the race to sign Ben White from Brighton, reports The Star on Sunday. 

 

White spent last season on loan with Leeds and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League as champions. 

 

And the Whites are looking to make his loan move permanent, but Brighton have remained steadfast in their intentions to keep the centre-back on the south coast. 

 

However, their resolve will be tested with Liverpool and Chelsea supposedly entering the race to land the 22-year-old. 

 

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is looking to strengthen his defence this summer and is willing to sell Antonio Rudiger in a bid to raise funds to improve the backline. 

 

Liverpool, too, are in the market for a new centre-back following Dejan Lovren's move to Zenit St. Petersburg last month. 

 

Marcelo Bielsa, though, is eager to get a permanent deal for White over the line as Leeds gear up for their return season in the Premier League. 

 

 

White made more interceptions (116) than any other player in the Championship last season to reinforce a strength of 'ball interception'.