Shane Duffy's Celtic move is top priority after Ben White signs new Brighton deal

Graham Potter spoke of his delight as Brighton centre back Ben White agreed a new and vastly improved four year contract which could push through Shane Duffy's exit to Celtic
Shane Duffy looks set to seal his dream move to CelticShane Duffy looks set to seal his dream move to Celtic
Shane Duffy looks set to seal his dream move to Celtic

White and Duffy have both been the subject of intense transfer speculation throughout the summer with Leeds United keen to sign White and Duffy continuously linked with a move to the Scottish champions.

White was excellent for Leeds during his season long loan at Elland Road and was a key factor in them gaining promotion to the Premier League.

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Brighton rejected three bids from the Whites and White's displays last season also attracted the attention of Premier League giants Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City.

Ben White agreed a new four year deal with BrightonBen White agreed a new four year deal with Brighton
Ben White agreed a new four year deal with Brighton

His new Albion contract ends speculation on his immediate future and White can fully focus on his first season in the English top flight.

White and Duffy both featured in the pre-season friendly against Chelsea last Saturday.

Potter likes his defenders to play out from the back and the Albion head coach is a huge admirer of White's style.

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“I have been looking forward to working with Ben for a long time," said Potter, who tried to sign White during his time as Swansea City manager. "He was a player I was well aware of, even before I came to the club.

“He has gradually stepped up the EFL divisions, with Newport County, Peterborough United and Leeds United.

“He had a brilliant season helping Leeds to the title last season, and now he has the opportunity to show his qualities in the Premier League.

“We are delighted to have agreed a new long-term contract with him, and I am sure our supporters will be looking forward to watching him play for the club.”

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Celtic remain clear favourites to sign Duffy ahead of Albion's Premier League rival West Ham and West Brom.

Duffy and his representatives were said to be in Glasgow today to finalise details on a one-year loan deal. Celtic will reportedly pay a £2million loan fee and take on the majority of his wages.

“You understand the speculation with Shane because he is an important player, he is a big character and he wants to play football," Potter said last Saturday.

“You put two and two together and it’s an obvious one. But he has been fantastic for me and he has been great in the group.

“I understand he wants to play and we need to make those decisions at the right time for him and for the team.

“At this moment he is with us, he does his best every day and he is part of your group.”