Everton and Liverpool are both interested in Middlesbrough captain Ben Gibson – and a decision about his future could be made sooner rather than later.
New Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk
Garry Monk may have only been appointed as the new Middlesbrough manager on Saturday but it appears that he already has a major decision to make – whether or not to sell his captain.
Despite Boro finishing second bottom in the Premier League and returning to the Championship after just a season away, influential skipper Ben Gibson enhanced his reputation with a series of committed displays at the heart of the defence.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson
A maiden call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad was just rewards for a stand-out campaign in a struggling side. Consequently, the 24-year-old does not appear to be short of suitors offering him a Premier League lifeline.
Back to the big time?
The Sun reports that Liverpool are plotting a move for the £20 million-rated centre-back after their deal for Southampton talisman Virgil van Dijk fell through amid accusations of ‘tapping up’.
However, the same publication claims that Merseyside rivals Everton are also in the frame with the club’s first choice defensive pairing, Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka, possessing a combined age of 66.
Everton need a long-term successor for Phil Jagielka
And though Middlesbrough are in no financial need to cash in on Gibson this summer, the Northern Echo reports that Monk may consider letting one of the club’s key men leave amid concerns that the ongoing saga will cause a distraction from the club’s pre-season preparations.
Therefore, this could be good news for Everton. Gibson is exactly the kind of no-nonsense, body-on-the-line centre-back that manager Ronald Koeman is on the lookout for.
And moving to an ambitious club with a coach renowned for honing potential could prove to be the right decision for one of England’s most highly-rated young defenders.
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