Leeds United are said to be interested in Burnley defender Ben Gibson.
The Middlesbrough boss played alongside Gibson at the Riverside Stadium, during their younger years, and he is on record as being a big fan of the Leeds target.
“I’m really pleased for him,” Woodgate said to Boro’s website after Gibson was called up to the England squad in 2017. “He’s a lad who works really hard and he deserves it.
“There’s good competition in that area for centre-halves at the minute and Ben is right in there with a shout.
“He knows Gareth and I’m sure he will make good impressions on everyone then keep on getting in the rest of the squads.”
Woodgate, of course, is well known at Leeds as he begun his career at Elland Road.
His comments should encourage Leeds that Gibson would be a good signing, even though his career has stalled more recently.
Since Gibson left Middlesbrough for Burnley last year, he has rarely featured, and he could be looking to move on from Turf Moor this summer.
If he was to arrive at Leeds he would be an appealing addition to their squad, especially as Pontus Jansson has gone.
Whether Leeds would be able to afford Gibson remains to be seen.
But his power and ability to command a defence would really improve Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, and his potential partnership with Liam Cooper could be rock solid.
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