Roma are reportedly set to rival several elite clubs in Europe for the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben White this summer.

Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho – who will take charge of the Serie A outfit next season – is believed to be an admirer of the 23-year-old and is keen to work with him in the Italian capital.

White has been in impressive form over the past two years whilst on loan with Leeds United in the Championship last season and with the Seagulls in the top flight this campaign, becoming one of the most sought-after centre-back's in Europe.

According to The Sun, Mourinho has made it clear to the Roma hierarchy that the club need to bolster their squad this summer and White is one player he is looking to recruit.

However, the Italian outfit are set to face stern competition from elsewhere, with Premier League trio Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool also interested in the defender, as are Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain and Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

Brighton are not interested in selling one of their star players this summer, unless a bid in excess of £45m is received.

White played in all 46 matches for Leeds during their 2019-20 title-winning campaign in the second tier, before appearing in 33 Premier League games for Brighton this season. body check tags ::