Middlesbrough have spoken to Leicester about signing centre-half Filip Benkovic on loan, according to reports in the local media.

Boro have turned their attention to the Croatian international after falling behind Watford in the race to sign former defender Ben Gibson from Burnley.

Benkovic, who is also believed to be a target for Celtic, Derby County and Bristol City, will be allowed to leave before the transfer deadline if the Foxes can find a replacement.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he wants to send the 22-year-old out on loan in order to get more game time. The Croatian has only made one appearance this season with the likes of Jonny Evans, Caglar Soyuncu and Wes Morgan ahead of him in the pecking order at the King Power Stadium.

Benkovic signed for the Foxes from Dinamo Zagreb for £13m 18 months ago but he has spent most of his time either out injured or out on loan. He spent the whole of last season at Celtic before returning in the summer.