£25m-rated Ben Gibson could be sold this summer with Everton and Southampton both interested, according to the Yorkshire Post.

Gibson is the captain of the club, but Premier League sides are interested and Boro were unable to achieve promotion so they can't match his ambition. Therefore, it's likely that he will leave this summer in order to take the next step in his career.

Indeed, with both Saints and the Toffees in the top flight next season, it would make sense that they could get him.

Everton were below par last year and a new defender could force Michael Keane and Ashley Williams to seriously pick up their acts.

Meanwhile, Southampton's struggles were obvious for all to see after Virgil van Dijk left so let's see if they can improve if they bring him in.

The 25-year-old only missed one game all season as him and Daniel Ayala formed a solid partnership in the centre of the defensive unit. Middlesbrough only conceded 45 league goals in the regular season, and they became sufficiently tighter under Tony Pulis due to his organisational abilities.

The Verdict

This would obviously be a significant departure for the club, but they have a more than capable replacement in Dael Fry. He is only 20-years-old, but has a bright future ahead of him and looks completely comfortable at this level. However, they would need to bring in another player as back-up, especially with Ayala's recent injury issues.

Fry is one of a number of talented English prospects coming through the national team youth set-up, which saw him involved in the Under-20s World Cup win, and he is currently at the Toulon tournament with the Under-21s.

It's no surprise that teams such as Everton and Southampton are interested in Gibson because he represents a cheap option for an English defender capable of playing in the Premier League as shown by his time with Boro in the top division.