Premier League giants Everton have emerged as the new favourites to land Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson, according to a report in the The Daily Star, print edition, Sunday 10th June.

The impressive defender stayed put for the Boro last term as he wanted to help his boyhood club get back to the Premier League. But, after failing to land the final promotion spot, Gibson could now be on his way, with a whole host of interest in him.

Gibson has been hugely impressive over the last few seasons and has attracted attention from the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool to name but a few. Those moves though, failed to materialise, and it now appears it is the Toffees who look like being the frontrunners to capture Gibson.

Middlesbrough will not want to sell their man on the cheap however, and past rumours have put his asking price up at around the £20m mark. Manager Tony Pulis will be keen to keep hold of his star men, but will no doubt be aware that money can talk, as well as not wanting to stop some of his players from getting their crack in the top flight.

Boro fans, what do you make of this? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!