Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly interested in signing Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough in the summer transfer window.
Gibson was one of the best players for Middlesbrough in the Premier League last season, and the 24-year-old defender has proved that he is too good for the Championship.
Boro are a big club and do not ‘have’ to sell the 24-year-old, but joining West Brom would allow the defender to carry on playing in the Premier League and perhaps even feature for the England national football team.
However, Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk has stated his intention that he does not plan to sell Gibson this summer, claiming that the only an “extraordinary offer” would change his stance.
“From day one, it was very clear we don’t have to sell any player,” Monk told The Sun. “I said all along it would have to be an extraordinary offer for any player to leave and we don’t want our important players to leave.
“We are clear on that. We have not given it a second thought. He is fine, training well, determined and has this club in his heart, looking forward to the season ahead.”
According to The Sun, Gibson is rated at £30 million. Would West Brom be willing to splash that much cash on a player who is – at the moment – at a Championship club?
Moreover, the Baggies are facing competition for the signature of Gibson from Premier League giants Manchester City.
The Citizens are a very rich club, and working under former Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola could be hugely tempting for Gibson.
The odds seem to be stacked against West Brom in the race for the Middlesbrough defender.
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