Chelsea quoted price for key defensive target

Premier League leaders Chelsea will have to cough up a sum of around £30m if they are to tempt Middlesbrough into the sale of defender Ben Gibson.

The 24-year-old has been one the standout performers for Boro this campaign, and his performances have not gone unnoticed with Blues scouts monitoring him on numerous occasions this term.

Aitor Karanka's side managed to ward off the player's interest in January, but the Blues are expected to return for his signature at the end of the season.

According to The Express, Boro are open to offloading their prized asset in the summer, provided the Blues match their £30m valuation for the central defender.

Gibson only inked a fresh five-year deal in August 2016, and this is a key reason for their demand of a higher transfer sum.

The former England under-21 international has been ever-present in Boro's top-flight return this season having appeared in all 27 league outings. He is an outside candidate to make the Three Lions squad for the internationals against Germany and Lithuania.