Tottenham have sight set on £50 million centre back

Tottenham are thought to be prime contenders to win the Ben White sweepstakes, as the 23-year-old continues to impress at Brighton. 

Jose Mourinho and company developed a budding interest in White over a year ago, when the central defender was on loan at Leeds. Landing White at that time would have only cost Spurs about £30 million. The Brighton centre back is now worth a reported £50 million on the open market, further evidence of his meteoric ascendency.

I covered Spurs’ interest in White last year, and still believe he’s a perfect fit for the club. Not only an agile defender, White is confident and reliable in possession. He has the ability to play beside Pierre Hojberg in defensive midfield or to fill in at left back position, showcasing his versatility and incredible potential in various roles.

His preferred and best position, though, is at the heart of defence. Like last year, Tottenham are not the only club interested in securing his signature. Leeds, who he helped gain promotion to the Premier League, and Liverpool are both keenly interested.

White is just about 6 feet tall and is blessed with exquisite agility. It’s been a long time since a stellar Englishman has marshalled Tottenham’s rearguard. No offence Eric Dier. He’s a better footballer than Michael Dawson and has the potential to be as instrumental as Ledley King. It would take a lot of luck and hard graft to ever come close to filling Ledley’s shoes, but the possibility is real.

A staggering number of players fail to reach their full potential for one reason or another, but White has the mentality to soar to eminent heights. He is a natural leader who is mature beyond his years and is also blessed with exceptional football intelligence.

Mr Levy, please pay the asking price and bring White to the former White Hart Lane.