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...

Middlesbrough manager Jonathan Woodgate will be counting down the days until the January transfer window opens, with his side down in 20th place in the Championship just three points clear of he relegation zone.

One option Boro are considering is a move to re-sign Burnley centre-back Ben Gibson who moved to Turf Moor 16 months ago, but who has struggled to tie down a regular spot in Sean Dyche's side, according to the Sunday Mirror via Teesside Live.

So is Gibson a player that Boro need and would he be a good New Year signing?

We discuss.........

Kris Smith

“It could be a solid signing for Jonathan Woodgate as it shores up their defence, however, it shouldn’t be their first priority heading into the January transfer window.

“Middlesbrough have landed on a somewhat settled defence of late and it gave them a platform to pick up some decent results, but the problem still appears to be their creativity and end product.

“Gibson would walk straight into the lineup and provide some great leadership to a young, transitioning side but his form would come into question having barely played for Burnley.

“Gone are the days where Middlesbrough can afford to splash the cash on a handful of signings so there must be priorities set out for what they need in January, to which I’m not convinced Gibson should be high on that list.”

Chris Thorpe

"This would be an interesting deal for Boro, with Gibson obviously being well known to the club after starting his career at the Riverside Stadium, so I feel this is a move that is likely to happen.

"The Burnley centre back has found his game time largely limited this term due to the form of Messrs James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, thus meaning he can usually be found on the subs bench.

"A move back to his former club would surely be too good to turn down, with Gibson sure to be in favour of moving closer to where his wider family lives back in the North East.

"It will be interesting to see how much money bunely would want for the defender as his recent injury issues may have decreased his value somewhat in more recent times."

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Ben Lang

"This would be an excellent piece of business if Boro can pull it off, as Gibson is not only a hero on Teesside following his previous stint at the club, but he is also exactly what Boro's defence needs at the moment.

"It would be an extremely popular move given Gibson's achievements during his 200+ appearances for the club prior to his Burnley switch, and Woodgate's defence now definitely needs a boost given their disappointing first half of the season.

"It is also likely that Burnley would be willing to let Gibson leave the club - certainly on a temporary basis - seeing as he has not even made a league appearance this term and has been made to sit on the bench.

"This would be a statement signing for Boro as they aim to improve their form in the new year, and Gibson could add some much-needed experience to the Teesside outfit's back line."