Man City will move for £20million Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson after giving up on Jonny Evans
MANCHESTER CITY are on the verge of ending their pursuit for West Brom defender Jonny Evans according to reports.
Pep Guardiola will instead divert his attention to Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson if they fail to land the Irishman.
Man City will make a £20m move for Middlesbrough defender Ben GibsonPA:Empics SportPep Guardiola wants to bring reinforcements to his defence and will turn his attention to the England internationalAFP or Licensors
Gibson has been identified as Guardiola’s back up plan and City are prepared to launch a £20million bid to secure him, according to the Independent.
The Man City boss has been on the lookout for a new centre-back this summer to bolster his defence and provide options, especially if Vincent Kompany struggles to stay healthy .
Gibson is seen as the best alternative for Evans and brings the added bonus of being an a British player which will help Guardiola’s squad conform to the Premier Leagues rules on having eight homegrown players.
The 24-year-old already has Premier League experience having made 38 league appearances for Middlesbrough in the top-tier last season before their relegation.
However they may also have a difficult time prying Gibson away from his current team too, especially as his uncle is the chairman at the Teesside club.
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West Brom’s Jonny Evans was City’s main target but the Baggies refuse to let him goPA:Press AssociationGibson made 38 Premier League appearances last season scoring onceGetty Images - Getty
But with the World Cup fast approaching, a return to Premiership football will put him in good stead for making his way into his Gareth Southgate’s final squad after earning his first call-up in a qualifier match in March.
City aren’t the only Premiership side to show interest in Gibson, Chelsea have kept a close eye on the English international and ironically so have West Brom.
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