Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson is the most likely player be the next signing that Everton make this summer after they have completed the deal to sign Richarlison, according to Football Whispers.
The football news site claims that Gibson, 25, is firmly in the running to head to Goodison Park this summer after the Northern Echo previously reported that the Toffees have turned their attention to signing the £20m-rated powerhouse.
Football Whispers gathers transfer rumours from around the world and rates the likelihood of them coming true out of five.
As it stands, Richarlison is 4.8 out of 5 to be the next signing that Everton make, with him followed by defensive brute Gibson at 3.5 out of 5.
Sky Sports has reported that the Watford attacker has passed a medical to move to Merseyside, and should be confirmed as Marco Silva’s first Everton signing soon.
OPINION
Everton are yet to seal any signings yet this summer, but they are finally closing in on an expensive deal to sign Richarlison, and once that transfer is confirmed, more big-money deals look set to follow. Gibson is said to be worth £20million, but the former England Under-21 international has only ever had one season in the Premier League, when Boro were relegated. He did play well in that campaign and became well thought of because his ability to play the ball out of the defence with his left foot. He is also a strong, physical blockade for any opposing side and proved solid against some Premier League teams. Would he be an improvement on what Everton have? Yes, he would. But that says more about the current centre-back options at Goodison Park. Surely there are cheaper, better alternatives out there for the Blues to look into signing this summer.