Chelsea to make shock January move for £25million-rated Ben White after Brighton defender impresses on loan at Leeds

CHELSEA have put brilliant Ben White on their wanted list for a shock January transfer window swoop.

Frank Lampard’s scouts are raving about the 22-year-old Brighton centre-half, who is starring on loan at high-flying Leeds this season.

Lamps will make a big offer for White as he looks for an extra defender now Chelsea have been cleared to spend after their Fifa transfer ban was cut.

White has been a huge hit for Leeds with his skilful, ice-cool displays as they storm the Championship.

Chelsea have been watching him regularly and insiders reveal they are convinced he is worth buying — and is the main alternative to old boy Nathan Ake at Bournemouth.

Brighton do not want to lose White but a £25million offer may make it hard to resist, especially as he would also be tempted by a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are so serious about White that they see him going into their first team quickly.

He can also play in the Champions League — a large inventive.

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The Seagulls planned to leave White at Leeds for the season before bringing him back to play.

But it has turned into a shop window for his talents and caused a massive headache.

Ake, 24, is the alternative and it may come down to price. Blues have first call on the Dutchman, available for £40m.