Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson reportedly intends to leave the club this summer if they suffer relegation.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson applauds fans
According to Sky Sports, Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson is planning to leave the club this summer should they suffer relegation to the Championship.
Gibson, 24, has come up through the ranks at the Riverside Stadium, becoming a first-team star after loan spells with Plymouth Argyle, York City and Tranmere Rovers.
The centre back, who is the nephew of Boro chairman Steve Gibson, played an important role in Middlesbrough’s promotion from the Championship last season, and has played every minute of Boro’s Premier League campaign this term.
His superb performances in the Middlesbrough defence saw him rewarded with a first ever England call-up back in March, and with his stock growing by the week, a summer move could be on the cards.
Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama in action with Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson
Sky Sports report that Gibson is planning to leave Middlesbrough if they suffer relegation back to the Championship, which is looking increasingly likely after Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth – a result which leaves Boro nine points adrift of safety with just five games to play.
Gibson’s international hopes in a World Cup year will be at the forefront of his thinking, and with strong competition for places in the England squad, he won’t want to be playing in the Championship.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson applauds fans
An escape plan could be complicated by the fact that Middlesbrough can command a huge fee given that Gibson only signed a new five-year deal back in August, but recent reports have suggested that a host of clubs are keen.
The Daily Mail reported last month that Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham are all in a race to sign Gibson this summer in a deal worth at least £25million – and their respective hopes of signing him may be boosted by his alleged intention to leave the Riverside Stadium this summer.
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