Transfer blow for Chelsea as impressive young starlet is set to stay put at PL rivals

Ben White set to stay at Brighton and Hove Albion amidst Chelsea interest

According to The Sun, Ben White is set to stay at Brighton and Hove Albion amidst interest from Chelsea.

The 22-year-old enjoyed an excellent loan spell at Leeds United last season. He played every minute as the Yorkshire giants gained promotion back to the Premier League.

His performances have garnered interest from a number of top-flight clubs. Apart from Chelsea and Leeds, White has also been tracked by Manchester United and Liverpool. (h/t The Sun)

Leeds were extremely keen on signing the youngster. They also tabled a £25million bid that was turned down by the Seagulls. Brighton are averse to selling him to Leeds, who they see as a rival at a similar level.

According to the report, Brighton are willing to sell the player for a figure between £25m and £30m. A reasonable amount for a player with high potential.

The defence is a key area that Chelsea need to focus on before the start of next season. The Blues already brought in Ben Chilwell and are closing in on Thiago Silva.

As per a report by the Daily Star, one of Kurt Zouma or Andreas Christensen could also be sold. This will free up a spot in the Chelsea backline.

White would have made an excellent signing, especially given his age and stature. The opportunity to have Silva mentor him would have also been an enticing prospect.

However, it looks as if he is now set to stay on at Brighton.

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Having flourished at Elland Road, White looks ready to take the step up to the Premier League.