Chelsea are preparing a summer raid on Middlesbrough to sign Ben Gibson.
According to a report in The Mirror the 23-year-old is viewed as the natural successor to John Terry and captaincy material.
Gibson has stepped up to the Premier League with ease this season and played a major part in ‘Boro staying clear of the drop zone.
Terry will quit Chelsea at the end of the season with Antonio Conte continuing to overhaul the squad that he inherited last summer.
Gibson’s versatility appeals to Conte who wants defenders that can play in a back three or a back four.
Boro are likely to demand £30m for the defender but with a top four finish and a return to the Champions League that figure won’t put Chelsea off.
With over 100 league appearances for Boro Gibson is ready to step up and knows that a move to Chelsea will improve his international prospects with Gareth Southgate well aware of his potential from his time in charge at the Riverside.