West Ham United are interested in Ben Gibson and Adama Traore this summer, according to The Daily Mail.

The Hammers are eyeing a double swoop for the two Middlesbrough stars after they failed to win promotion via the play-offs.

Tony Pulis' side lost to Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals and now face a battle to keep their key men like Gibson and Traore.

West Ham are hoping to snap up both players as they look to strengthen their defence and attacking midfield options for the new season.

The Hammers have already made their first signing under Manuel Pellegrini by bringing in Ryan Fredericks on a free transfer for Fulham and they could pair him with another top performing Championship defender in Gibson.

The former England under-21 international, who has been called up to the senior squad but is yet to make his debut, opted to stay with his boyhood club despite their relegation to the Championship.

But with an England call-up looking impossible when playing in the second tier, the 25-year-old might be forced to move to the Premier League with Everton, Southampton and Leicester City joining West Ham in pursuit of the defender.

The Irons are also interested in signing Traore, who is on the radar of Chelsea after netting five goals and providing 10 assists for Boro this year.

The Verdict

At the right price, Gibson and Traore would be excellent additions for West Ham as these are two areas that need addressing at The London Stadium.

Gibson would be a perfect partner for Angelo Ogbonna because of Winston Reid's injury woes, while Traore would add pace, skill and now end product to their attack.

Everton could benefit from Gibson as a long-term Phil Jagielka replacement; Southampton need to find Virgil Van Dijk's successor but Leicester may not prioritise this move because of their Jonny Evans capture.

Middlesbrough will stand firm, though, as there is no reason why they need to let these players depart for less than their value.

Boro fans - What do you make of this news? Let us know below...