Manchester United have struggled so far this season, finding themselves in seventh place and nine points off the top four.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still has the backing of the United board, but he'll need to recruit wisely in the January transfer window.
The British pair fit the bill in terms of being the young, homegrown talent United are looking to recruit as part of their new transfer policy.
Phillips penned a new five-year deal in September and Leeds reportedly rebuffed offers north of £20m from the Premier League.
However, the report also states there is a release clause inserted in the midfielder's contract that will become active should Leeds fail to gain promotion this season.
Manchester United may face competition from rivals Liverpool who are also reported to be interested in the centre back.
The Seagulls are understood to value White at over £20m and it will prove difficult to prize him away.
How Jurgen Klopp replaced Jose Mourinho as Pep Guardiola's greatest opponent
