BEN’S A BIG HIT... GET HIM BACK’

TITLE-WINNING hero Jon Newsome believes Leeds United must do all they can to bring Ben White back to Elland Road for their Premier League return next season.

Former Leeds defender Newsome, 49, was part of the side crowned First Division champions under Howard Wilkinson in 1992. Newsome watched Marcelo Bielsa’s title winners closely as White enjoyed an outstanding season-long loan from Brighton, attracting admiring glances from Liverpool and Manchester City.

The 22-year-old centre-back (right) featured in all 46 Championship games for Leeds but is under contract at the Amex Stadium until 2022, with his destination next season unclear.

Newsome said: “Ben White was fantastic and put himself in the shop window. He did exactly what it says on the tin in terms of going out on loan from a Premier League football club.

“He’d never played higher than League One level before, so the plan would have been to go to Leeds, gain plenty of experience, grow in stature and obviously improve as a player.

“White’s done all that and more and I think he will look back and realise how fortunate he was to work under Bielsa.

“But let’s hope it’s longer and that Leeds can bring him back.

“White and Liam Cooper have formed an outstanding partnership, but will Brighton allow him to leave? If so, will Leeds be able to afford him?

“He can even deputise for Kalvin Phillips in midfield when needed, so it would be fantastic if White could be at Leeds.”