Premier League duo Everton and Burnley are both reportedly hoping to land Ben Gibson from Championship outfit Boro before the transfer window slams shut
With just a week to go in the transfer window, Everton and Burnley are both running out of time to add some much needed depth at centre-back. So the Premier League duo appear to have placed Middlesbrough captain Ben Gibson on their wishlist as the time runs down.
The Liverpool Echo reported that Gibson is one of the centre-backs being considered by Everton, who have sold Ramiro Funes-Mori to Villarreal and loaned Ashley Williams out to Stoke City.
But Burnley are interested too. And Sean Dyche needs to add numbers to a small squad if the Clarets are to balance Premier League and Europa League football next season.
And, as it stands, it seems that Burnley are leading the chase. Sky Sports report that they have made an improved bid of £13 million for Gibson, just one day after seeing a £12 million offer rejected by the Championship club.
Manager Tony Pulis has admitted that Middlesbrough would be unlikely to stand in Gibson’s way should he be given the chance to play in the Premier League. But they would surely be unwilling to sell the nephew of owner Steve Gibson for £13 million if £12 million is deemed insufficient.
The 25-year-old impressed during Boro’s 2016/17 Premier League campaign and was called up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad a year ago, though he was not handed his international debut.
It remains to be seen whether Everton will respond with a bid of their own. But if Marco Silva wants a tough and commanding centre-back with real leadership qualities, The Toffees should not let Burnley win the race for Gibson.
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