Ole looks south to shore up defenders

UNITED have added Brighton defender Ben White to their centre-back options for the next two transfer windows.

M.E.N. Sport understands United are huge admirers of White, as well as RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, as they consider a swoop for a central defender in 2021.

White, 23, is playing his first season of Premier League football with Brighton after impressing on loan in the Championship with Leeds United last term and winning many plaudits. He has become renowned for his ability to play out from the back and can also operate in defensive midfield.

United may face competition for his signature, with Leeds keen to bring White back to Elland Road and

Liverpool also linked with a move amid their defensive injury crisis.

It is understood Brighton are determined to keep the 23-year-old until the end of the season at least, though they may be resigned to a summer sale depending on the price.

United opted not to move for a centre-back in the summer due to having a number of unwanted defenders still on their books.

Brighton boss Graham Potter did not deny interest from top clubs in White while addressing the player’s future at a recent press conference.

“I have no worries about Ben getting his head turned at all,” said Potter.

“He is a level-headed guy that wants to play football. Of course he wants to play football at the highest level, just like you want all your players to have those ambitions.”