Championship

Middlesbrough: Club see approach for Ben Gibson rejected

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Image for Middlesbrough: Club see approach for Ben Gibson rejected

According to Sky Sports, Middlesbrough recently had an approach for Burnley’s Ben Gibson rejected. The report claims that Jonathan Woodgate’s side are in the market for a central-defender and that they, along with fellow Championship clubs Fulham and Huddersfield Town, have had their advances for the player rebuffed.  

It’s understood that Sean Dyche and Burnley are unwilling to allow Gibson to leave on loan until they have a replacement and coincidentally one of the players they are rumoured to be interested in is Boro’s very own Dael Fry.

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Gibson has made just one appearance for the Clarets this season and that came in the Carabao Cup second round back in August during a defeat at the hands of League One side Sunderland. Currently valued at £7.2m (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk), it’s reported that the North Yorkshire club are only interested in a loan deal.

TIF Tactics – Gibson’s arrival would mean the return of a familiar face

The 27-year-old previously played 204 times for Middlesbrough before completing a permanent transfer to Burnley in 2018 for £15.2m. Given his lack of game time at Turf Moor, it’s clear the move hasn’t worked out quite as the player or the Burnley boss would have hoped but for the time being, it appears the Premier League side are not prepared to leave themselves short of central defensive options.

If indeed Fry is the man they would like to bring in to replace Gibson, that’s of no use to Jonathan Woodgate who is looking to bolster his defensive options and not do a swap deal. The 22-year-old has made 24 appearances in the Championship so far this season, starting 83% of Boro’s games.

Gibson’s availability for the time being at least, is totally dependant on whether or not Sean Dyche makes any signings this month but the question is will Woodgate sit around and wait or turn his attentions elsewhere?

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