Leeds United appear to be struggling to add another central defender this summer as they were handed one more devastating blow as per emerging reports this week...

What's the word?

According to The Athletic's ever-reliable David Ornstein, the Yorkshire giants have had a bid rejected for Brighton centre-back Haydon Roberts.

They claim that after receiving three approaches for loan star Ben White knocked back, their attention was turned to his 18-year-old teammate, though the Seagulls are adamant that he won't be sold this transfer window either.

It's thought that Roberts is very highly-rated on the south coast and is capped at England U18 level. Brighton are in talks to extend his contract.

Whilst Football Insider believe the offer was in the region of "six-figures".

Another defensive blow

This comes as another setback for Marcelo Bielsa, Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani as they just can't seem to find that elusive extra centre-back to bring in before the deadline in two weeks.

Firstly, it was White and then there were reports that mooted target Josko Gvardiol has instead chosen Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig and now they cannot secure Roberts either.

Leeds' start to life in the Premier League has certainly sent the pulses racing at Elland Road. It may be one win and one defeat from their opening two, but Bielsa's men have conceded seven goals in the process.

Robin Koch's impact has been more error-prone than sensational, but he'll need time to adapt to his new surroundings whilst they were even lacking the presence of skipper Liam Cooper in the opener against Liverpool due to injury.

Roberts would have been an interesting option to consider after the Daily Mail's 'Secret Scout' labelled him a "leader" in the making and lauded the teenager as a "talented prospect" with "great footballing intelligence."

It's easy to forget that they are also missing Gaetano Berardi after his serious ACL injury, so the need for another defender is certainly up there with other priorities.

Although, their struggles to land one are going to be a cause for concern. They cannot afford to be involved in seven-goal thrillers every week.

Bielsa drilled his side into becoming the best defensive team in the Championship last term. It's now his task to repeat that feat in the big time.

AND in other news, £10m bid offered for Rodrigo De Paul alternative...