Report: Tottenham eyeing £25m-rated defender, club make emphatic decision on future
By Derek Smithson
Middlesbrough have placed a £25million price tag on Tottenham target Ben Gibson, according to a report.
TEAMtalk claim that recently appointed Boro manager Garry Monk wants to keep the defender at the club next season and as a result value him at £25million.
It is understood that Spurs have been monitoring the 24-year-old, but Premier League rivals Chelsea, Everton, Leicester, Southampton and Stoke are also interested.
The report details that the centre-back was expected to leave the Riverside Stadium following the club’s relegation to the Championship last year, but Monk has informed Boro’s chiefs he wants to keep the star man.
Gibson was one of the outstanding players for Boro last year despite their relegation from the Premier League and he earned his first call-up to the England squad as a result, but is still awaiting an international cap.
The defender impressed England boss Gareth Southgate with his tough tackling approach and also his quality in possession.
He is a product of the Boro academy and has racked up 153 appearances for them since his first-team breakthrough.
Football Insider verdict:
Middlesbrough defender Gibson proved his qualities last season in a struggling side and deserves an immediate move back to the top flight. The 24-year-old is an exciting player and was on the cusp of the England side last year. He looks like someone who could thrive at a bigger club and has the talents to back him up. Gibson would fit the mould of a Spurs player due to his defensive strengths and ability on the ball. The north London club may need an additional centre-back to their squad too if Kevin Wimmer leaves them. However, the £25million asking price should be a major stumbling block as he is yet to justify that kind of price despite his potential. Mauricio Pochettino could probably find a cheaper alternative that could play a similar role.
In other Tottenham transfer news, they have submitted a five-year contract for an attacker.
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