Leeds United skipper Liam Cooper has admitted that it will be hard to sign defender Ben White permanently in the upcoming transfer window.
The 22-year-old is currently spending a season-long loan with the newly-promoted outfit which is set to expire once the ongoing campaign will come to an end.
There were reports in the media earlier that Leeds are very interested in making a move to permanently sign White in the summer in order to strengthen the squad for their first season back in the Premier League after 16 years.
However, the player’s parent club Brighton & Hove Albion’s manager Graham Potter recently stated that he will not let the player leave permanently in the near future.
Cooper, while talking to Quest as quoted by Leeds-live.co.uk, admitted that it will be hard for the Peacocks to sign the star centre-back in the upcoming transfer window.
“He has (been fantastic. Especially being unproven at the level,” said Cooper.
“We lost Pontus (Jansson) and everyone is judging Ben (White) straight away. I think his form and his consistency and the level he’s reached has spoken for itself.
“He’s been unbelievable. He’s a great lad and he has the world at his feet. Hopefully, he can be with Leeds United.
“We know the bigger clubs might come sniffing but hopefully, we can keep hold off him and he can develop into a top-class centre-half with us.”
White has been a star performer for Leeds in the ongoing campaign where he represented the club in 48 matches in all competitions and provided two assists.
