Liverpool are in pole position to sign Brighton defender Ben White, according to Diario Popular. The Argentine publication is reporting that it is expected that the centre-back will not remain at Leeds where he is currently on loan.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have already been looking at a replacement in River Plate’s Lucas Martinez Quarta as they anticipate White to return to the Seagulls and then be sold on to the Reds.

Scouts from the Merseyside club have reportedly been monitoring the 22-year-old this season, but they will face competition from a number of other teams for the player’s signature.

Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Leicester are also said to be keeping tabs on White, but it may come down to who is prepared to pay the centre-half’s asking price.

Some reports suggest that the defender could cost as much as £35m, which would be a hefty outlay on someone who has no Premier League experience.