Report explains why Liverpool may avoid signing £50m defender this summer

Brighton are reportedly expecting £50m-rated centre-back Ben White to stay at the club beyond the end of the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to the Brighton and Hove Independent, via TBRF, Brighton see White staying at the club due to clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City having other options at centre-back.

The report claims Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing White, but adds that the arrival of Ozan Kabak could play a part in White remaining at the AMEX.

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ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT 

Comparing White and Kabak’s performances in the Premier League this season, Liverpool may be making the right choice by signing the latter. Kabak has averaged more duels won, more ball recoveries, more tackles made, more clearances and only slightly fewer interceptions per 90 than White in the Premier League. This suggests that Kabak has been performing to a higher standard than White, which could mean that he is currently further along in his development as a young centre-back.

When you also consider that Kabak could reportedly be as cheap as £10m, whilst a fee of £50m has been mentioned for White, the Turkish international appears to be the clear choice. Liverpool could be making a very smart decision by signing Kabak and leaving White to either stay at Brighton or be picked up by one of their rivals for an extortionate amount of money.

Therefore, Liverpool should be actively pursuing a deal to sign Kabak instead of White. Hopefully, Liverpool are able to land Kabak for the £10m they are hoping to negotiate the fee down to, as his early performances for the club suggest that he could be a valuable asset moving forward.