Leicester ramp up interest in £30m-rated Premier League defender

Reigning Premier League champions Leicester City have earmarked the signing of £30m-rated Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson as one of their top transfer targets this summer, reports The Daily Telegraph.

Leicester failed to strengthen the heart of their defence last summer and paid dearly for that for most of this season following Robert Huth and Wes Morgan’s struggles but are keen to avoid a repeat situation and have moved their interest from Michael Keane to Gibson.

Craig Shakespeare’s side are expected to move for Gibson regardless of whether Middlesbrough can avoid relegation but their bargaining hand would reduce significantly if they do drop back to the Championship, enabling Leicester to drive down their current £30m valuation.

Gibson has been a relatively unsung hero in the Premier League this season and has been on the periphery of the England squad since the start of the campaign, while Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was also once mooted with an interest in his services.

The 24-year-old has played in every single minute of Middlesbrough’s Premier League campaign this season.

For more stats on Ben Gibson, click here to visit his WhoScored player page