According to Mirror, Leicester City are considering a move for Ben Gibson. The Middlesbrough defender has been identified as the ideal replacement for Harry Maguire, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.
Leicester City have so far rebuffed all advances from the Red Devils regarding Maguire. However, United head coach Jose Mourinho is growing desperate to attain the services of the highly talented English international after failing to land any of his defensive targets thus far.
As a result, the Premier League club are reportedly willing to go all out to secure his services, which has made Leicester begin their search for a proper replacement. And it is believed that the Foxes have already identified an ideal replacement in the shape of Ben Gibson.
Leicester were previously linked with a move for the Middlesbrough defender last summer but a move didn’t materialize. However, Boro could now find it very difficult to keep hold of Gibson, should the Foxes come up with a lucrative offer.
Is Ben Gibson worth the fuss?
Gibson, 25, is regarded as one of the most consistent defenders in the Championship, who has been a key part of Boro for the past four-five seasons. A product of the Middlesbrough youth academy, Gibson has notched up 200 appearances for his club and was an ever-present figure in his only Premier League adventure in the 2016/17 season.
He appeared in all of Boro’s 38 games in the English top flight during that corresponding season despite their relegation at the end of the campaign.
Leicester City, on the other hand, are coming on the back of a rather satisfying season. However, they have already lost Algerian superstar Riyad Mahrez and could also be on the verge of losing another key player in the shape of Harry Maguire.
Thus, things could get very tricky for the Foxes in the forthcoming campaign, especially in the defensive department where they lack depth. Despite the addition of West Brom superstar Jonny Evans, Leicester City have Maguire as their only reliable option in defence with both Wes Morgan and Yohan Benalouane reaching the final phase of their respective careers.
Another experienced defender Robert Huth also left the club after seeing out his contract, which has left Leicester in a spot of bother, especially if they fail to hang on to Maguire. Therefore, the addition of Ben Gibson is imperative for the Foxes not only because of the fact that they are running the risk of losing Maguire but also to address their long-term defensive issues.
As mentioned earlier, the 25-year-old can offer Leicester with some much-needed depth while his vast experience in English football can make him a useful component in the defensive department.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt
