Everything Graham Potter, Paul Barber and Ben White have said about mooted £35m Leeds United deal

The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at title-winning Leeds United but has now returned to his parent club having played in all 46 of the Whites’ Championship fixtures.

Such was the quality of his performances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham have all emerged as contenders to sign White during the summer window alongside Leeds United.

But Brighton boss Graham Potter is keen to hold onto the former Newport County and Peterborough United loanee - and has spoken on the record about where White fits into his plans.

Here, we take a look at everything the Seagulls boss has said about White’s future, alongside chief executive Paul Barber and the player himself – simply scroll down to take a look:

“He'll be competing for a place like everyone else."

“He's contracted with us and he's on loan at Leeds. He's our player,” said Potter at a press conference last month.

“It's fantastic he's had this year with Leeds. I think everybody won. Ben got some great experience, Leeds achieved their goal of promotion.

“But we rate him highly. I followed his career personally when he was at Newport and Peterborough.”

"As I've said before, we were aware of him at Swansea, we were probably trying to sign him ourselves if we were still there”

“We like him a lot. He's a really good player and thankfully he's our player. (Next season) he'll be competing for a place like everyone else.”

Later in the month, Potter added: “He's got attributes that are really, really useful and he's going to be a top player.”

“Not for sale!”

White's future then made national headlines again last month when five-year-old Whites fan Daniel Auton wrote to Brighton chief executive Paul Barber to offer the £15.07 in his piggy bank in a bid to land the defender's services.

After praising the Leeds-loving youngster for his scouting prowess, Barber insisted White was "not for sale" with the defender labelled a "very important part of our future."

"We will top up your offer!”

Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani responded the letter, saluting the young United fan's efforts and declaring: "We will top up your offer for Ben and go back to Mr Barber."

“I wanted to take the time to thank everyone."

Indeed, White penned a heartfelt thank you to Leeds United and the club's supporters for taking him to heart in their promotion season.

"Having had some time to reflect on what has been the most incredible season I wanted to take the time to thank everyone associated with Leeds United Football Club, including the incredible supporters," he said in an Instagram post.

"No matter what happens from here I will never forget the way you took me in and treated me as one of your own from day one. These memories and experiences will be with me forever. #MOT"