Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Ben White would be persuaded to stay at the club if the Elland Road outfit can get promoted this season.
Leeds are top of the Championship ahead of its resumption this weekend, and with the Whites nine points clear of the play-off places, Robinson feels the on-loan Brighton centre-back would want to continue his story in west Yorkshire if Leeds reach the top flight.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson suggested it would be a challenge for Leeds to keep the defender at the club beyond this season – but winning promotion with him could hold the key to securing a potential future for White at Elland Road.
He said: “It would be a disaster if Leeds were to lose Ben White. He’s been absolutely outstanding for Leeds this season and he looks the real deal. The biggest problem for Leeds would be keeping hold of him.
“However, I suspect if you asked Ben White, then he’d want to stay with us and if Leeds go up, they may well be able to sign him on a permanent deal.”
Ben White has dazzled since joining Leeds on loan from Brighton in the summer, with the defender an ever-present under Marcelo Bielsa in the league, highlighting his importance to the side this year.
Sky Sports has reported that a number of Premier League clubs, including league leaders Liverpool, are keeping tabs on the 22-year-old who appears to have a bright future judging by those showing an interest in him.
In topping the squad’s charts for interceptions per game (2.6) and clearances per game (3.6), White is even outperforming his peers at Elland Road, which justifies Robinson’s hope that he could be retained beyond this season, but there is still plenty of work to do to ensure of White’s future if promotion is indeed to become a critical factor.
Leeds fans, is Robinson’s suggestion realistic or will White be off in the summer? Let us know below!
