Brighton chief responds to Ben White transfer speculation amid reported interest from Liverpool

The transfer window is closed but plenty of news and speculation continues to surround Brighton and their Premier League rivals.

Reports in the national media this week suggested that Liverpool 'would have to pay at least £50m' for Brighton defender Ben White, if they turn to him in January, to replace Virgil van Dijk, who was seriously injured after a clash with Everton keeper Jordan Pickford last weekend.

Commenting on the transfer reports in his pre-match press conference, Potter said: "I think it is a bit like it was at the start of the season.

"All sorts of talk about him doing this, him doing that, and it is generated by outside, by outside of our control really. it is part of the football noise, the transfer window closes last week and we are already having conversations around transfer speculation, it is just the way it is. I think he is, well, I know he is level headed enough to not let it affect him.

"I think at this level you have to know it is part of the territory, it is part of the job of being a footballer, part of what you have to deal with.

"Consistently all he has done is get on with his football, all he has done has come into training, be professional, tried his best, and tried to play football. I have no concerns about Ben."

When asked specifically if a £50m price tag had been put on White, Potter added: "No I haven't heard anything about that one.

"Apparently if it comes in the media it must be true, ey?"

Potter was also asked about the team spirit in Brighton's camp, after picking up just four points so far this season despite a string of impressive performances.

"We are happy with the group and the spirit in the group," he said.

"The performance against Crystal Palace, I was happy with in terms of the spirit, in terms of not getting too down when a goal down. Personality on the pitch was good.

"We have tried to keep things quite consistent in terms of how we are as a group.

"The Premier League can punish you sometimes so you have to try and act consistently regardless of the result, whether you win a couple or you don’t. The boys have always been good.

"I think we have got a better and better environment and spirit so that’s positive."

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