Burnley have been linked with Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson.
According to a report by Sky Sports (live transfer thread, August 3rd at 17:40), Burnley and Middlesbrough have agreed a £15 million fee for the transfer of defender Ben Gibson.
The report claims the Clarets had previously seen two lower bids turned down by Middlesbrough over the past 48 hours, but now it appears the Lancashire club have made a breakthrough and will commence talks with the player.
The news comes not long after the Liverpool Echo claimed Everton were considering a move for Gibson, having already sold Ramiro Funes-Mori and allowed Ashley Williams to join Stoke City on loan.
But it appears Burnley have stolen a march in the race to sign the Boro captain, with manager Sean Dyche eager to bolster his squad as he attempts to juggle both the Premier League and a Europa League campaign.
Burnley have yet to sign a senior player this summer, though in the next couple of days that may change as fellow reports in The Sun claim a deal has also been agreed for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Gibson would be a big miss for Middlesbrough having impressed at the Riverside Stadium both in the Championship and the top-flight, but a move for him was inevitable after they missed out on promotion last term.
Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis has signed Aden Flint from Bristol City this summer, a player who could fill the void while 27-year-old fellow central defender Daniel Ayala remains a pivotal figure on Teesside.
Gibson, 25, has made over 180 appearances for Boro since coming through the club’s youth academy, and now he seemingly has the choice as to whether he wants to move back to the top-flight with Dyche’s Burnley.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
