Liverpool are “poised” to make an opening bid for Brighton centre-back Ben White, according to the Daily Star. The newspaper claims the Reds are preparing a £20m offer for the 22-year-old.

However, with Leeds having reportedly had a £22.5m proposal turned down by the Seagulls, Jurgen Klopp’s side will almost certainly have to up their bid for the defender.

Brighton are said to have slapped a £40m price tag on White, following an impressive loan spell in the Championship, and with competition likely to be fierce for the centre-half, Liverpool could be edged out of the race by a potential rival.

The Daily Star suggest Chelsea may well be interested in the centre-back, and with their need to strengthen at the back, the Blues could be prepared to outbid the Premier League champions by tabling an offer closer to Brighton’s asking price.

Whether either team will make a formal bid for the player in the coming days and weeks, we shall have to wait and see.