Exclusive: Leeds offered new hope Ben White will remain next season

Michael Brown has offered new hope Leeds United loan star will remain next season - but admitted it is only possible if they get promoted.

The ex-Whites and Sheffield United midfielder, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 22-year-old needs to be playing regularly to continue his progression as a player.

As revealed by Football Insider, Liverpool scouts have been monitoring the centre-half this season and have been blown away by his performances in the Championship.

White, on a season-long loan at Leeds from Brighton, has been ever-present in the Championship this campaign – making 37 appearances.

When asked by Football Insider if the defender would be better off at Elland Road than Anfield, Brown said: "White needs to play football and he will want to play week in week out.

"He needs to be in a team where he can step forward with the ball and step through the thirds. That is what he really good at is getting the ball and driving into midfield.

"The next step is the Premier League. Hopefully, it will be with Leeds United - they have got a fantastic place - and it would be a great place to play your football."

White's ability in possession has led to Marcelo Bielsa deploying the loanee in holding midfield when Kalvin Phillips has been unavailable.

United's hopes of retaining their star defender will rest heavily on the outcome of the current season, which is currently suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In other Leeds United news,  Noel Whelan has told Football Insider young goal machine is not good enough to replace Bamford next season.