Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear believes the club is still in the box seat to sign Ben White.
The centre-back had an excellent season as his side was promoted to the Premier League, but he was only on a single year loan deal.
Now White is going back to Brighton, who want to keep him unless they get a mega offer.
Chelsea and Liverpool also have some interest in White.
Kinnear told reporters: "Ben is going to be hugely sought-after. It's one of the risks of doing the type of deal we did. I know supporters say 'well, why isn't there an option to buy him?'
"The reality was Brighton weren't prepared to do that, so it was either take the player without an option or don't take him at all.
"We clearly made the right decision. We now have some conversations to have with Brighton as to where they see his future.
"We know they rate him very highly. We know other clubs rate him very highly. We have an advantage in Ben loves the club.
"He's loved playing for the club. He loves his team-mates. He knows he's going to get game time under Marcelo.
"We have a small competitive advantage there, but ultimately, we're now going to be fighting some big names for his signature."
