Tottenham are reportedly targeting Middlesbrough ace Ben Gibson.
According to The Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur remain keen on signing Middlesbrough centre back Ben Gibson as Mauricio Pochettino weighs up his defensive options.
It’s claimed that Kevin Wimmer is expected to leave the club this summer as the Austrian international potentially pursues first-team football away from North London.
Whilst Pochettino does have Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld at his disposal, his tendency to play with a 3-4-2-1 system means that he will need more than three centre backs.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson applauds fans after the game
Middlesbrough ace Gibson is therefore a target, after he excelled in making the step up from the Championship to the Premier League despite Middlesbrough’s relegation from the top flight.
Middlesbrough are desperate to keep Gibson at the Riverside Stadium as Garry Monk attempts to take the club back to the Premier League – and his World Cup aspirations could work for and against Tottenham.
Gibson received his first England call-up back in March, and whilst he hasn’t made his debut for the Three Lions, he is expected to be a future first-teamer under ex-Boro defender Gareth Southgate.
The 24-year-old will know that Championship football won’t be enough to push for a place in the England squad at the 2018 World Cup squad in Russia, especially with the likes of Gary Cahill, John Stones and Michael Keane in contention.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson celebrates scoring against Tottenham
He may therefore need a Premier League move to make it to Russia, but first-team football will also be key to those hopes – and with Dier, Vertonghen and Alderweireld established already, Gibson may initially have to settle for being the fourth-choice centre back should he join Spurs.
Therefore, it’s not just about returning to the Premier League, but more about getting the right Premier League move to further his international hopes; and there would be questions asked over whether Tottenham is the best destination for those immediate hopes.
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