Chelsea to pay £40m for Premier League centre-back?

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to pay around £40m in order to land the signature of Ben White from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer.

The west London giants are expected to reinforce the backline during the current transfer window after conceding 54 goals in the league last term.

The central defence appears the main concern for manager Frank Lampard and The Star claims that the Blues have their sights on landing White.

White was a key performer for Leeds United on loan as they secured promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year wait earlier this year.

The west Yorkshire outfit are currently negotiating a permanent deal, but they are reluctant to pay the £40m asking price set by the Seagulls.

It appears that the Blues could beat them to the defender's services by meeting the valuation, given they have additional funds to spend.

Antonio Rudiger has been mentioned as a potential candidate, who could be offloaded to fund the move for the young Englishman.

Lampard is said to be unconvinced by the performances of Rudiger, who is currently the most experienced centre-back in the squad.