Manchester United and Liverpool will do battle in January for the transfer of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White, according to a report.
The youngster, who came through Brighton’s academy, has impressed with his performances on loan at Leeds United this season.
Deployed primarily as a central defender, White is also capable of filling the left-back role.
According to The Athletic, United and Liverpool plan to go head to head for the 22-year-old in January.
#mufc and Liverpool are interested in Brighton's Ben White (22) #mulive [the athletic]
— utdreport (@utdreport) November 21, 2019
However, Brighton are reluctant to sell, especially in January, which means that a bidding war could start.
Many United fans will not want United to invest in another defender following the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire over the summer, along with the rise of Brandon Williams at left-back.
Supporters will hope that the club’s emphasis is on finding midfield reinforcements and, of course, Erling Braut Haaland, who is a genuine target.