NEW: Brighton reject SECOND bid from Leeds United for £35m-rated defender Ben White

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Reiss Nelson of Arsenal takes on Ben White of Leeds during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on January 06, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

It is understood Leeds are keen for the £35m-rated star to return to Elland Road after the centre-back played in all of the clubs 46 Championship fixtures last season

But talkSPORT claims that the Seagulls are insisting that they ‘have no need or desire to sell the player this summer.’

However, Sky Sports reported last week that the Whites had already had two bids rejected, with initial £18.5m deal rebuffed before an improved £22m was bid also rejected.

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.

“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.”