According to the Express and Star, West Bromwich Albion are still interested in signing Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough, but face competition from Premier League rivals, Southampton.  

Boro’s relegation from the top-flight last season has led to Gibson’s future becoming unclear this summer, with the 24-year-old attracting interest from across the Premier League after a successful year at the Riverside Stadium.

Despite Boro’s relegation back to the Sky Bet Championship, Gibson excelled in the top-flight, featuring in every league fixture and scoring one goal, which came in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

The central defender also earned a call-up to the England senior squad for the first time in his career, and despite not earning his first cap, he is in Gareth Southgate’s thoughts heading into the World Cup in Russia in 2018.

His form over the last 12-months has seen him attract interest from across the Premier League, with West Brom one club with firm interest in taking Gibson away from the North East.

Tony Pulis’ side have had two club-record bids rejected by Boro this summer, with the latest of those a reported £20m.

The Baggies cold face competition from Southampton in the race to sign Gibson, with the Saints keen to snap up the Boro defender to replace Virgil Van Dijk, who has handed in a transfer request.

The Verdict

It is likely that speculation surrounding Gibson’s future will continue until the end of the transfer window, with Premier League clubs more likely to step up their interest when the season begins.

If Boro can keep hold of Gibson this summer it will increase their chance of promotion.

However, if the player wants to leave, it will be hard for Boro to stand in his way, particularly with Gibson having a chance of making Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup next summer.

The likelihood is, if Gibson has any chance of making that squad, he has to be playing Premier League football.

Middlesbrough fans… Let us know your thoughts!