As reported by The Daily Mail, Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson is set to be fought over this summer with four big English clubs ready to make their move on the defender.

What's the story?

English centre-backs are always at a premium and after his first England call-up this week, Ben Gibson isn't just attracting the attention of manager Gareth Southgate.

The Mail reckon that four clubs, Liverpool, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea are all in for the 24 year old with some clubs already expressing an interest with Middlesbrough for his signature.

However, Middlesbrough are keen to hold onto the star and will ask for a fee of more than £25m, according to the report.

Liverpool are though to be the front runners due to Jonathan Woodgate. Now a scout at Anfield, he's said to have a close bond with Gibson due to their Boro connection.

Can the Reds get one over on their top six rivals?

Is he ready?

With over 200 professional appearances to his name since making his Middlesbrough debut six years ago, Gibson has had a footballing education at Boro.

However, all of that education has come in England's lower leagues, only taking a step into the Premier League for the first time this season and his side find themselves in a relegation position.

A massive feather in his cap is the fact that Boro haven't conceded very many goals at all throughout the campaign, in comparison to teams around them. They've conceded fewer goals, 33, than any other side in the bottom half of the table. Even Liverpool and Arsenal have conceded more goals than Gibson's defence.

That's why he's getting international call-ups and being linked with big clubs. The question is whether he can perform to a consistent level at a club that is required to win almost every week?

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