Liverpool have ‘genuine interest’ in Brighton centre-back Ben White | OneFootball

Liverpool are reported to have a ‘genuine interest’ in Ben White as the club consider their options at centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window.

Jurgen Klopp has seen his defensive options depleted this season following long-term injuries to both Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, whilst the summer sale of Dejan Lovren to Zenit St Petersburg has left Joel Matip – a player with his own concerning fitness record – as the Reds’ sole senior option at centre-back.

Fabinho has been utilised in an unfamiliar defensive role this season and the midfielder has performed admirably in the position, though the club’s depth beyond that is restricted to just inexperienced duo Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips.

Jordan Henderson partnered Fabinho at centre-back for Liverpool‘s 1-0 defeat to Southampton earlier this month and the Premier League champions have been linked with a number of options this month.

However, the Liverpool Echo are reporting that whilst the Reds’ recruitment is focused on the addition of a new centre-back, their focus is set to be directed towards the summer with Brighton youngster White emerging as a key target.

Liverpool’s scouting team watched the 23-year-old ‘extensively’ during an impressive loan spell at Leeds last season, the defender helping Marcelo Bielsa’s side to promotion before being handed his opportunity in the Premier League with Brighton this season.

White has handled the step-up to the top flight and remains on the champion’s radar, with the club’s recruitment staff having been impressed by the youngster’s progress and versatility, having featured in both centre-back positions and in midfield this season.

Brighton rejected several bids from Leeds last summer – the last believed to be in the region of £25m – before White ultimately penned a new deal at the Amex Stadium and it remains to be seen whether Graham Potter’s side would be willing to do business.

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