Everton were linked with Ben Gibson in the summer but would have a major challenge convincing the defender to leave Middlesbrough.
Luring Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough is easier said than done. The club captain, a local lad who has spent his entire career with the North Eastern outfit, signed a new contract until 2022 in October despite huge interest from the Premier League.
Such is Gibson’s loyalty to Boro that he stayed with the club after their relegation to the Championship. Just because a deal seems unlikely, however, does not mean Everton should not try.
According to The Mail, Everton are keeping tabs on Boro’s 18-year-old winger Marcus Tavernier, a player who has burst onto the first-team picture this season and has also piqued the interest of Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The teenager, who recently scored a league winner against local rivals Sunderland, impressed scouts with his performances for England’s Under-19s during the international break and is the latest homegrown talent linked with a move to Everton.
Wrong man?
But if The Toffees are to head up north in the hope of doing a deal, Gibson should be at the top of their list of priorities. TEAMtalk reported in June that the highly-rated centre-back, who was handed an England call-up by Gareth Southgate earlier in the year, was on Everton’s radar.
And although Middlesbrough value Gibson at a minimum of £25 million, this should not stop an Everton side who spent upwards of £140 million in the summer from making a move.
The 24-year-old earned plenty of admirers last season for his leadership qualities, consistency and willingness to put his body on the line – three attributes an Everton side with the Premier League’s second-worst defensive record have lacked all season.
The difficult part, however, is convincing Gibson to leave behind his Riverside roots.
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