Stoke City make £12m bid for Boro defender

Stoke City have lodged an opening £12m offer in order to pursue the services of Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson this summer.

The 24-year-old is widely expected to leave the Riverside Stadium after Boro failed to preserve their Premier League status.

According to The Mirror, the Potters are the first club to make an attempt to sign Gibson, who was the standout performer for Boro on their top-flight return.

Gibson has already earned a couple of call-ups to the England squad, and he will be pushing for a potential switch to the top division in order to realise his World Cup ambition next year.

Boro are currently holding out on a £20m package for their leading performer amid additional interest from the likes of Southampton and Chelsea.

The Saints are currently assessing the future of Virgil van Dijk, and his potential departure could facilitate their push to sign Gibson this summer.

Gibson was ever-present for Middlesbrough in their Premier League campaign last season.