Ben Gibson is set to spark a £25million transfer scramble this summer with the Premier League's big guns all keen on the Middlesbrough defender.

Gibson has emerged as one of the top flight's hottest properties with Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham eyeing the centre-half.

Middlesbrough know they have no chance of hanging on to Gibson if they are relegated. And they also accept they have a major fight on their hands to keep Gibson, 24, even if they win their survival battle.

The Teesside-born defender, nephew of chairman Steve Gibson, is less than 12 months into a five-year contract.

He is settled and in no rush to leave his hometown club after making 130 appearances for Boro since his debut six years ago.

Gibson's rise was recognised when he was drafted in to Gareth Southgate's England squad last week and was an unused substitute in Sunday's 2-0 win over Lithuania.

Source: Daily Express

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