Burnley eyeing deal for Middlesbrough defender

Burnley are reportedly weighing up a bid to sign Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough before next week's transfer deadline.

The Clarets have had a really quiet transfer window with no senior signings to date and there should be some activity in the coming days.

According to Sky Sports News, Burnley are planning to lure Gibson from Boro this month and they are prepared to pay as much as £12m for his services.

Gibson presently has four years left on his existing deal with Boro but head coach Tony Pulis is open to his sale at the right price as the club seek to recoup funds to bolster other areas of the field.

The centre-back has made over 200 appearances for Boro since graduating through the youth ranks but it appears likely that he will be leaving the Riverside outfit before the August 9 deadline.

Leicester City had previously expressed an interest in signing the Championship-based defender before they took up the option to pursue Jonny Evans from West Bromwich Albion.