Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear admits it will be 'challenging' for the club to sign Brighton defender Ben White.
White, 22, enjoyed a superb loan campaign at Elland Road and Leeds want to bring him back for their Premier League return.
The Whites have reportedly lodged their third offer with Brighton, and Kinnear says the club are finding it tough to secure the promising centre-back.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kinnear said: "Ben had a wonderful season for us last season.
"He is a player that we rate very highly, we know the fans love him and we think Ben enjoyed his time here. We have made no secret of the fact that we would like to bring him here permanently.
"We also have to be very respectful of the fact that he is a Brighton player, he is training with them currently and there have been discussions.
"I think it is going to be challenging to make him a Leeds United player but if it is not Ben White, then we have other options which are in advanced stages and we will be closing in on one of them soon."
Chelsea and Liverpool have also been linked with the Englishman in recent weeks.
