According to the Daily Mail, Leicester City have reignited pursuit of Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson, but Everton should try to scupper a deal.

What's the word?

With the transfer window edging closer to slamming shut for the summer, there is an important area of the pitch that Everton are yet to address.

So far, Marco Silva has bolstered the attack with the arrival of Richarlison, while Lucas Digne has joined from Barcelona to snatch the left-back spot off of Leighton Baines.

The Toffees still need to recruit a new defender, possibly two, in order to tighten up the back.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Leicester are interested in Boro's Gibson, but Everton should also consider a move for a player they have previously been linked with.

What role would he play?

Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Ashley Williams and Mason Holgate are among the current options at Silva's disposal.

However, Holgate is still developing as a player and Williams has fallen down the pecking order.

Jagielka is approaching 36, which means that Silva could do with bringing in one centre-back to partner Keane and another as back-up.

Gibson has a strong aerial presence and is not afraid to commit tackles in the final third, but he would be best suited as a squad player given he currently plies his trade in the Championship, and he would be viewed as a surprise addition given the Merseyside outfit's lofty ambitions.

The 25-year-old, who is valued at £9m by Transfermarkt, does not have the attributes to play out from the back, but he would be a decent option to bring on as a replacement or in cup games.

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