Middlesbrough slap hefty price on Ben Gibson

Premier League minnows Middlesbrough are unlikely to sell defender Ben Gibson in January, unless his £35m valuation is met. Chelsea have the player at the top of their winter shortlist.

Blues boss Antonio Conte is on the search for a new centre-back in the New Year, and the 23-year-old is one among the top targets for the league leaders.

According to The Mirror, Boro will do their best to keep hold of their player, who also happens to be the nephew of club owner Steve Gibson.

The Riverside outfit still have a long way to go to attain Premier League safety, and the presence of Gibson would be key to their chances of survival come the end of the season.

Reports last month suggested Gibson could leave the Riverside Stadium for around £20m, but as per The Mirror, Boro will seek to ward off interest with a £35m price tag on his head.

Gibson, who is contracted to Middlesbrough until 2021, is also a transfer target for Everton.