Middlesbrough Plotting January Loan Swoop For Premier League Defender

Middlesbrough Plotting January Loan Swoop For Premier League Defender

Middlesbrough are weighing up a loan move for former defender Ben Gibson, according to TEAMtalk. The website reports that the Teessiders will look to the Burnley centre-back if they sell Daniel Ayala in January.

The Spaniard’s contract expires in June, and with Boro unable to agree a new deal with the 29-year-old, they are likely to cash in when the transfer window reopens in order to prevent him from leaving for nothing in the summer.

Gibson would be seen as an ideal replacement, and he could be available considering his lack of playing time at Turf Moor. The 26-year-old captained Burnley on his only appearance this season, in a disappointing Carabao Cup defeat to League One side Sunderland.

Whether the Clarets would be prepared to let the centre-back leave on a temporary basis, it remains to be seen. He could be surplus to requirements after failing to even make the bench on a number of occasions this campaign.