Leeds United returned to the top of the Championship in some style on Thursday evening.

The Whites demolished Stoke 5-0 and in the process, gave them an even greater chance of securing promotion to the Premier League.

That is the end goal for both Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds, especially after last season's dismal ending to the campaign. Surely the club won't slip-up again?

You wouldn't bet against them bottling things but this time they are superbly well placed. A 1-1 draw with Luton and a defeat against Cardiff would have set hearts racing but they've now racked up eight goals in their last two outings.

This is a team on the up, and one that also has a potential takeover from QSI rumbling along in the background.

Although that doesn't appear to be anywhere close to climaxing, money will need to be spent in the summer, irrespective of who owns Leeds.

Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta have been held back in the transfer market because of financial fair play but the riches of the top-flight could finally put an end to that.

Radz and Orta

The Whites have already brought Helder Costa to Elland Road on a permanent basis this summer while deals are on the table for Illan Meslier and Jack Harrison.

Though, their latest target presumably won't cost them a great deal.

On Thursday, Leeds were linked with a move for a Brighton defender. No, it's not Ben White, but someone who's following him through the ranks on the south coast.

The Telegraph suggests they are in the race to sign teenage centre-back Haydon Roberts. However, the Yorkshire outfit will face plenty of competition with Brentford, Derby, Mainz and RB Leipzig sending scouts to watch him play.

The 18-year-old is apparently seen as someone who can make the step-up into senior football without any problems.

Ben White

GIVEMESPORT'S Matt Dawson says...

The comparisons with White are obvious but it's incredibly hard to ignore, especially when you consider his position.

Despite his tender age, Roberts has already played for Brighton, something White - aged 22 - has managed on only two occasions.

Funnily enough, the teenager scored on his debut for the Seagulls, netting in a 3-1 defeat in the EFL Cup against Aston Villa last September.

He has been impressive this term for the U23s but there are still areas for him to work on, particularly when it comes to his physicality and speed. Though, that's something that's bound to improve with time. 

Bielsa

After all, it's been claimed the defender has "great footballing intelligence" by The Daily Mail's secret scout.

His focus is exemplary, something his father, Andrew Roberts cites. Speaking in an interview with The Athletic, he said: 

"He’s a bit geeky like that, I suppose. Very focused."

Those traits are something Bielsa would love. After all, this is a man who is incredibly meticulous. Having a player with similar attributes is bound to help.