This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Fulham Manager Scott Parker faces going head-to-head with both Huddersfield Town and Middlesbrough in his pursuit of Burnley defender Ben Gibson, though the Clarets have already rejected loan proposals from the Championship trio, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie.

Burnley will allow the 27-year-old to leave the club this month, as he is seen as surplus to requirements at Turf Moor, but the club is insistent on securing a replacement for the defender before he departs.

So would Gibson be a good addition at Craven Cottage and is he actually needed?

We discuss.........

Chris Gallagher

"This would be a fantastic addition.

"Since Michael Hector started playing things have improved for Fulham defensively but you still feel they could do with one more option and Gibson would make a big impact.

"He has proven himself to be a top quality player at this level and he would slot in as the left-sided centre-back with ease and a partnership with Hector could potentially be one of the best in the league. As well as that, he is capable in possession and would be able to play out from the back - something which Scott Parker demands from his team.

"With Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson also options to partner Hector, it's not as if Fulham are desperate for a new centre-back and anyone who does come in needs to be a very good player, but the ex-Boro man fits into that category and would improve the group."

Take this opportunity to test your Cottagers knowledge? Come on give it a go now!

Luke Phelps

"Ben Gibson has been exiled at Burnley this season. The likes of Ben Mee and James Tarkowski have kept him on the bench, whilst injury has also thwarted his season, but Sean Dyche is looking to loan him out this month, providing they can find a replacement first.

"He's a player with good Championship pedigree having won promotion from the league with Middlesbrough in 2016. He racked up over 200 games for the Boro and played in all 38 of their games in the top-flight, but since his move to Burnley in 2018, he’’s played just once in the Premier League.

"He’d be a fine addition for Fulham - he’s a very modern centre-back in that he’s blessed with a decent bit of pace and ball-playing ability. Whether he’s needed or not is another question though. Fulham have brought in Michael Hector and Terrence Kongolo this month, and already have the likes of Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson at the club.

"Numbers are always needed going into the business end of the season though, and someone with promotion experience would greatly benefit Scott Parker’s side. I’d love to see this move happen but I’m not sure Gibson would want to come to a club with so much competition already there."

Louie Chandler

"Ben Gibson was absolutely quality and would be a great addition to any Championship side in all honesty.

"With Michael Hector having arrived, the defence is already looking sturdier but if they can get another rock-solid partner for him it could make all the difference.

"Connor Goldson has also been linked with a move, so it is clear that the Whites are certainly looking down the right lines.

"Fulham are now in a very strong position to push for promotion and Parker has to back himself this month."