By Wayne Veysey

18th Jun, 2019 | 7:00pm

Revealed: Leeds handed major boost in bid to secure new signing

By Pete O’Rourke

Leeds United have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Brighton defender Ben White this summer, Football Insider understands.

The Yorkshire giants have made a preliminary move to recruit centre-back White on loan as they look to strengthen their defence this window.

A source at Premier League outfit Brighton has told Football Insider the club are set to give the all-clear for the 21-year-old to be loaned out next season as they close in on the permanent capture of Matt Clarke.

As revealed by Football Insider earlier today, the Seagulls have agreed a £3.9million fee with Portsmouth for Clarke and are set to add him to their defensive ranks.

With senior pairing Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy firmly established at the club, Clarke is set to become the third senior centre-back and increase competition for places.

Leeds now expect to be beaten to the 22-year-old’s signature, but this will increase their chances of taking White for the 2018-19 campaign.

The 21-year-old made a sound impression at League One outfit Peterborough during a loan spell in the second half of last season in which he made 16 appearances.

The ex-Newport County man has made only two senior Brighton appearances but is highly regarded by the club and they believe it would accelerate his development if he was playing regularly in the Championship next season.

In other Leeds United news, Noel Whelan has told Football Insider the club are in ‘constant talk’ to sell star for massive fee.