Both Ben Gibson and George Friend could be handed Premier League lifelines by West Brom after Middlesbrough’s relegation was confirmed.
Tony Pulis’ visit to Stamford Bridge on Monday night has inevitably given rise to speculation that West Brom are about to launch a bid for Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson.
The local lad started in the capital as Boro’s relegation was confirmed in a 3-0 whitewash, with the Daily Mail reporting that The Baggies will now intensify their pursuit despite his £25 million asking price.
West Brom are in need of defensive reinforcements with the club releasing long-serving Jonas Olsson and allowing him to return to his native Sweden. Furthermore, while Gareth McAuley has been in fine form in either box this season, netting a remarkable six Premier League goals, he is 37 now and can’t go on forever.
However, it appears that Pulis is in dire need of further options at left-back too. Allan Nyom (below) may have made the position his own but, as a natural right footer, the Cameroonian is clearly not an ideal long-term solution.
Therefore, the Birmingham Mail report that Pulis may also have been keeping an eye on Boro’s George Friend. Thankfully, the 29-year-old impressed despite the North East outfit being put to the sword by a ruthless Chelsea, making a superb last-ditch intervention to deny Diego Costa an easy tap-in midway through the first-half.
The experienced full-back has made 18 Premier League starts under Aitor Karanka and Steve Agnew this season. And his reliable defending and cultured left-foot would make him a more natural fit on the left of West Brom’s defence.
It appears that Middlesbrough may lose far more than their Premier League status this summer.
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