Albion will tell suitors highly-rated defender Haydon Roberts is not available – to buy or take on loan.

Leeds have switched attention to the 18-year-old after failing to take Ben White back to Yorkshire.

Roberts is the latest off the Albion production line of central defenders and is expected to feature at Preston in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

It is no surprise that the Seagulls have no intention to sell a player with - early indications suggest - potential to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Brightonian Lewis Dunk.

But The Argus understands they also have no current plan to loan him out to gain experience.

A well-placed source confirmed Leeds’ interest in Roberts.

READ MORE: Update on Burnley's latest bid for Dale Stephens

Roberts will not turn 19 until the end of the season but has a physique, demeanour and poise on the ball which belie his years.

He has been training with Graham Potter’s first team group since lockdown.