COMMENT By Will Butcher

Everton must take advantage of West Brom's rejected bids by swooping in and stealing Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson from the Baggies' clutches.

Sky Sports Transfer Centre claimed (Tuesday, 2.37pm) that Tony Pulis' side tabled two bids for the 24-year-old, with one said to be worth £15million.

However, both offers were rejected for uncapped Englishman Gibson, with Garry Monk's Middlesbrough said to be holding out for more if their academy product is to leave.

Ronald Koeman has conducted a transfer overhaul at Goodison Park this summer, bringing in seven new players to bolster their first team including Wayne Rooney and Jordan Pickford.

However, another central defender is needed despite splashing out £25million on Michael Keane and Gibson could be the man to fill that void.

Football Insider examines three reasons why Gibson would be the perfect signing at Goodison Park, with the future of one of the Toffees' central defenders currently up for consideration:

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Premier League form

Even though Middlesbrough suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, Gibson was commended for his rock-solid performances at the back.

Gibson played in every single one of Boro's 38 Premier League matches, and helped the Teesside outfit keep 11 clean sheets in a side that defended well but struggled to score.

That proven Premier League quality in a side that came under constant pressure against better sides last season would be crucial in Everton's aim of finishing in the top six.

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Funes Mori plagued by injury

Argentinian defender Funes Mori has been ruled out for six to nine months after undergoing surgery on his knee in Barcelona last week.

It will see the former River Plate star miss the majority of the 2017-18 season, leaving just Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Keane.

With the Toffees fighting on four fronts next season after qualifying for the Europa League, depth is needed and Gibson would be a top replacement should he be brought to Merseyside.

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Future of Jagielka

Toffees skipper Phil Jagielka has just one season left on his contract at Goodison Park, with his 35th birthday in less than a month's time.

Speaking to Sky Sports back in May, the England international revealed that he does not where his future is and could leave if he is not given regular first-team football.

Without Jagielka and Funes Mori, a new centre-back is definitely needed despite the arrival of Keane and signing another Englishman at the heart of the defence is only going to benefit the Toffees.

In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees have made a huge bid to sign this left-footed ace.

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