Jonathan Woodgate has refused to comment on a potential move former Middlesbrough man Ben Gibson.

Reports from the Northern Echo have linked the 27-year-old with a return to the Riverside Stadium as part of a potential deal to take Dael Fry to Burnley.

Gibson has struggled for game time in this year's campaign with Sean Dyche's men, with the 27-year-old only making one appearance in total this term. 

That has led a number of clubs to enquire about his availability with the defender naturally keen to get back to playing regular first team football.

Of course a return to Middlesbrough would be an obvious choice for the Teesside-born centre-back who established himself as a real fans' favourite after playing a key role in the club's promotion-winning campaign under Aitor Karanka.

As well as that, the out-of-favour star is the nephew of Boro chairman Steve Gibson, with whom he shares a close relationship.

Jonathan Woodgate was quizzed on the club's interest in the defender but insisted that any move would be down to the chairman to engineer.

Quoted by the Hartlepool Mail, Woodgate said: "His uncle is the chairman, it's his, he can come in whenever he wants.

"It's the chairman's nephew, its nothing to do with me."
Asked if he'd like to sign Gibson, Woodgate said: "There's two more weeks to go, let's see what happens.”

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The Verdict

A move for Ben Gibson would be a huge boost for Middlesbrough.

The defender is a tried and tested performer at Championship level while the club also know first hand that he would be an excellent fit into Jonathan Woodgate's plans.

It seems a move could depend on a potential departure for Dael Fry, but if Gibson was to come the other way then I'm sure the Teessiders would be delighted with the deal.