Brighton chief states clear stance on Leeds United loanee Ben White

Centre-back White has played every minute of every league game for Leeds so far this term, prompting five-year-old Whites fan Daniel Auton to contact Barber to offer the £15.07 in his piggy bank in a bid to land the defender's services.

Barber has taken the time to write back to the young Whites supporter, thanking him for his offer but ultimately rejecting it.

And speaking in an interview with Jim White on Sky Sports News, Barber again reaffirmed his club's stance on the 22-year-old defender who himself has taken to Twitter asking the family of five-year-old Auton to "please get in touch."

Barber said: "We did receive an offer from a young man called Daniel, literally raising his piggy bank to try and prize Ben White from us."

"We don't usually talk about our transfer business publicly but we wanted to send a very clear message to five year old Leeds fans everywhere that Ben is not for sale.

"It was great to see the letter from the young man.

"I am sure he had help from a family member in drafting the letter but it takes a couple of minutes to reply to a young kid that loves his club and particularly loves Ben White who is a terrific young player.

"He's clearly got a great eye for talent because we like Ben very much and we see him as a very important part of our future but it seemed like the courteous thing to do to reply to the young man and it's a great bit of publicity for him."

Replying to a screen shot of Barber's letter back to young fan Auton on Twitter, Whites chairman Andrea Radrizzani said: "Great job Daniel! You are welcome to join the club and help Victor Orta after your school! We will top up your offer for Ben and go back to Mr Barber."

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