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Gibson swoop makes perfect sense

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Image for Gibson swoop makes perfect sense

OPINION

West Ham United are likely to have a busy summer ahead as the club’s new manager sets about building a squad for next season.

One area of concern for the new boss will be in defence, with the Hammers conceding 68 goals in 38 Premier League games this season, a joint-high in the division.

Injuries to key performers like Winston Reid and the declining form of others left the club short in defence too many this term, and reinforcements will need to be brought in this summer.

One player that the club have been linked with recently is Middlesbrough enforcer Ben Gibson, who looks likely to leave the Riverside this summer.

As reported by The Sun, the Hammers have a long-held interest in the 25-year-old, with Southampton plotting a £20million move for him this summer.

Gibson decided against a move away from his boyhood club last summer as he attempted to earn them promotion straight back to the top-flight, but those dreams were ended by defeat to Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals.

A move to the Premier League in the coming months is now likely, and West Ham must move quickly to snap him up before their rivals.

Gibson is a no-nonsense centre-back, and earned his first England call-up under Gareth Southgate last season for his impressive form for Boro.

His performances that season prove that he has what it takes to compete in the top-flight, so bedding him in will not be a worry for the Irons.

His left-footedness offers good balance in defence, and a partnership with Declan Rice would be a seriously exciting prospect for Hammers fans looking to the future.

The 6ft 1in enforcer is set to cost around £20million, which is a highly affordable price tag in today’s market, and the Hammers must seize upon this golden chance to shore up their defence this summer.

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