Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa says Albion defender Ben White deserves to reach the top as he prepares to return to Elland Road for the first time since his loan spell ended.

The 23-year-old made 49 appearances in all competitions for Bielsa's side last season and helped them to get promoted to the Premier League.

Leeds had tried to sign him permanently over the summer, but had bids rejected as the Seagulls maintained he was not for sale.

White now prepares to return to Yorkshire with Albion for the first time since leaving.

Bielsa was asked if White can play for one of the top clubs in world football and go on and play for his country, to which he replied: "All of us here, we admire him as a player and we respect him and love him as a human being.

"He was an excellent professional as well as a team-mate.

"I hope that his career allows him to grow because he deserves it."

He added: "Ben shown that he is a Premier League player."