According to reports, Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a move for Middlesbrough’s centre-half Ben Gibson as Pep Guardiola looks to add more reinforcements at shoring up his defence. The 24-year-old has had a frustrating summer so far with numerous speculations surrounding him but not a single one of them concrete.
Manchester City have had a decent pre-season tour with the new signings showing composure in the new squad and the fluid playing style of Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard has mostly played with a three-man defence in the games so far, mainly with John Stones, Vincent Kompany and Nicolas Otamendi protecting the goal and Eliaquim Mangala and Jason Denayer serving as the potential backups.
However, both the French and Belgium international are expected to leave with reports claiming that Turkish giants Galatasaray are in pole position to land them both. Both the players, who were on loan to Valencia and Sunderland respectively, have failed to impress the gaffer with Guardiola looking for yet another pair of experienced legs who can shoulder the pressure.
However, City are not expected to land a well-established centre-half anytime soon as all sides go into the season this weekend hardly willing to alter their plans all over again. Gibson could be a proper option as their backup given his desperate need to remain in the spotlight prior to the World Cup year.
Middlesbrough have started their season with a loss to Wolverhampton with Garry Monk yet to get a hold on the new squad. But, he has reiterated time and again that the club is unwilling to sell its players unless some exceptional offer comes their way.
Speaking on the situation of Gibson, the English manager said, “From day one, it was very clear we don’t have to sell any player. I said all along it would have to be an extraordinary offer for any player to leave and we don’t want our important players to leave.”
Despite starring for Boro in the Premier League last season, Gibson hasn’t been able to break the ceiling like his fellow compatriots, Michael Keane and Harry Maguire. There have been interests from Premier League clubs following their relegation, but no one is really willing to go out of line to gamble on him.
The former England Under-21 international has found suitors in Liverpool, Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion. Tony Pulis had even tabled bids for him but it never crossed the £20 million mark. The last week of the transfer market is expected to see a mad rush and Gibson would keep his fingers crossed.
