Ben Gibson back on Liverpool's radar after Van Dijk disappointment

Liverpool will reportedly revive their pursuit of Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson after dropping their interest in prior target Virgil van Dijk.

The Reds had managed to seal a verbal agreement with Van Dijk ahead of a potential transfer, but they have since pulled the plug on the deal after Southampton lodged an official complaint over an illegal approach.

As a result, Gibson has emerged as a transfer option once again with his team no longer in England's top division.

Gibson has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City following his standout performance in a rather disappointing campaign for Boro.

The 24-year-old earned his maiden England call-up earlier this year, and he will be hoping to remain in the Premier League in order to better his chances of making the World Cup squad for Russia.

Gibson was a rock at the Boro backline for most of last season as he helped them to 11 clean sheets, but they simply failed to score sufficient goals to preserve their top-flight status.