Orta can unearth Leeds' next White with swoop for "really exciting" £4.2k-p/w "talent" - opinion

Leeds United have been handed a boost in their bid to bring Haydon Roberts to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

In recent comments made to Sussex Live, Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter revealed that the centre-back will likely be leaving the American Express Community Stadium ahead of the 2022/23 campaign – as the 19-year-old is in need of regular first-team football in order to continue his development in the professional game.

And, while Potter is likely referring to a season loan deal for the defender, the 46-year-old’s remarks will certainly have caught the attention of Victor Orta, who is reported to have a long-standing interest in the England U19 international – even seeing an offer for Roberts rejected in the summer of 2020.

Considering the sheer amount of potential Roberts quite clearly possesses, should an opportunity arise to land the centre-back this summer, it is one Orta simply must do everything he can to take.

Indeed, Potter himself has previously revealed his excitement regarding the 19-year-old’s ability, stating back in September of last year: “He’s a really exciting player. He is obviously young and he has got a lot to learn but he has got some really interesting attributes.

“Very strong, very quick, very mobile. Powerful. Good with the ball, brings it out well. He’s got good courage so he’s got a lot of things that are really exciting, that fit how we want to try and do things.”

Furthermore, back in 2020, The Athletic spoke to a number of scouts about Roberts’ future in the game, with one even drawing comparisons between the Brighton starlet and the former Leeds loanee, Ben White:

“I like him. I think he’s a good defender. [The only question is] about his size to play there, but