West Ham boss David Moyes is determined to bolster his defensive ranks this summer and is set to enter a fierce chase to land one of the best talents from the second-tier of English football.
Sky Sports states the Hammers, alongside Leicester City and Everton, are battling for the signature of Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, who could leave the club this summer if the Teesside outfit fail in their attempts to return to the Premier League.
Gibson, 25, was called up to the England squad last year after impressing during Middlesbrough’s ill-fated Premier League campaign but his decision to remain loyal to the club has seen him slip out of the pecking order this year.
As such, Gibson will consider offers if Middlesbrough fail to win the playoffs, having secured their spot this weekend, and a fee of £20m is reported to be enough to land the central defender- a figure that is certainly affordable for West Ham.
The Hammers are in need of defensive improvements, with James Collins set to leave at the end of his contract this summer and the future of New Zealand international Winston Reid also being under scrutiny.
