Southampton to make a move for Ben Gibson

There has been intense speculation surrounding the future of Ben Gibson in the last period.

The reports in England suggested that Southampton are set to sign Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson.

The 25-year-old has four years left on his current contract which expires in 2022.

Gibson made 204 appearances across all competitions for Middlesbrough, scoring four goals and supplying five assists in return.

He’s incredibly experienced for a 25-year-old and still has tons of room for growth.

Ben Gibson has represented England at Under-17, Under-18, Under-20 and Under-21 level, winning 20 caps and scoring two goals.

His performances have seen him become the target of many Premier League clubs including Southampton.

The Southampton manager is in the market for a new defender when the transfer window reopens.

The report claims that Mark Hughes has extensively scouted Ben Gibson and is considering a move for the defender.

Southampton will be in the market for just a handful of statement signings who can improve the first-team.

According to The Sun, “Southampton are set to make a £20million move for Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson. The Saints are desperate to bolster their backline after the January departure of Virgil van Dijk. They only just secured Premier League survival in the final week of the campaign and are determined to avoid a similar struggle next season. Now they have targeted the left-footed centre-half to fill the void left by the Dutchman and are preparing to make a move, while they are also keen on Swansea’s Alfie Mawson.”

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Middlesbrough would be wise to keep the England international, but if they do let him go expect it to be for a hefty sum.

The 25-year-old is certainly a player that would strengthen the current Southampton squad and would be a good buy in the summer transfer window.

If he turns out to be a key player like many expect, it could be one of the club’s smartest transfers.