Transfer Talk: Arsenal in pole position to snap up Seagulls star White

Arsenal are in pole position in the race for Brighton and England star Ben White.

All of the Premier League’s big six have been linked with a move for White, 23, but it is the Gunners who are reportedly in advanced talks with the Seagulls.

Although their initial £40million bid was rejected last week, negotiations are ongoing over the structure of a deal that could be worth up to £50m.

Sky Sports say personal terms will not be an issue and when the clubs come to an agreement, completion of the move will be a mere formality.

Brighton owner Tony Bloom will not stand in White’s way should the right offer come in, even though the club do not need to cash in.

The centre-back was a surprise addition to Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad when he replaced the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold after impressing in two pre-tournament friendlies.

After shining on loan for Leeds when they won the Championship in 2019-20, last season was White’s first in the Premier League.

But he showed no signs of nerves and the Gunners will see it as something of a coup should they land him ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Liverpool duo on the market

Liverpool would listen to offers of £15m for last season’s surprise star Nat Phillips.

Burnley and Brighton are both interested in the centre-back after he was thrust into the Reds’ first team due to injuries.

Phillips, 23, made 20 appearances following the long-term absences of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip.

After a shaky start, he quickly gained the trust of Jurgen Klopp and The Mail believe he would not stand in his way should the right offer come in.

The signing of Ibrahim Konate plus the impending returns of Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip mean opportunities would be limited for Phillips at Anfield next term.

Meanwhile, fellow Academy product Neco Williams is also available for £10m as a trio of top-flight clubs eye the Wales full-back.

Aston Villa, Leeds and Southampton have all previously been linked with an interest in the 20-year-old.

Other news

Aston Villa believe they will be able to keep hold of Jack Grealish this summer despite increased interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea, say The Athletic.

Reports in Seville suggest Chelsea have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race for Sevilla and France star Jules Kounde, who can play anywhere across the backline.

Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite is poised for a return to England as Brighton, Burnley, West Ham and Norwich all keep tabs on the Danish star, according to Spanish outlet SPORT.