Middlesbrough are interested in signing Sam McQueen as part of a deal which would see Ben Gibson move to Southampton, according to a report by TEAMtalk.

McQueen could be used as a makeweight in Southampton's pursuit of Gibson.

Gibson has been with Middlesbrough since he was a young boy and is a firm fans' favourite at The Riverside Stadium.

But an exit is said to be interesting him this summer as he looks to break back into the England senior squad, for whom he earned a call-up but never played a game.

The 25-year-old centre-back is being targeted by Southampton, who could give Boro their young defender McQueen in return.

The 23-year-old plays predominantly as a left-back, although he is capable of playing on the wing as well, but he is down the pecking order at Southampton with Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett ahead of him in the queue.

The former England under-21 international has only played 28 senior games for Southampton in his career and a move away could benefit his career.

The Verdict

This could be a move which benefits all parties in the long run.

While Gibson is adored by Middlesbrough fans, his sale this summer may be inevitable as he needs to boost his England international ambitions by playing Premier League football.

If Boro could get a decent fee and land McQueen - a long-term successor for George Friend at left-back - as part of the deal, they have a very good deal.

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Middlesbrough fans - Would you take McQueen as part of the Gibson deal? Let us know below...

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