OPINION
West Ham must move now for Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson or they’ll end up ruing the day if Everton win the race for his signature.
According to a report by the Northern Echo, the Toffees are set to turn their attention away from Newcastle United defender Jamaal Lascelles and focus their efforts on signing Gibson.
It is believed that the Toffees board think £20million will be enough to secure Gibson’s services and the Merseyside club have previously proven that they’re not afraid to spend big money on transfers.
With them now switching gears to focus on getting Gibson’s signature they will no doubt steam ahead in the hunt to sign him and could easily wrap up a deal quickly.
The Hammers have had a long-term interest in the 25-year-old enforcer, as reported by The Sun in May, and it’s unthinkable that the club could soon see him feature for one of their Premier League rivals.
Manuel Pellegrini knows that his side need a new centre-back after their woeful defensive record in the 2017/18 campaign ahead of his arrival and must be aware that Gibson ticks all the right boxes.
The dominant enforcer impressed in his 51 outings for Boro last season, has previous Premier League experience, is young enough to still improve and would walk into the current Hammers’ first-team given his ability.
Gibson is left-footed so would be able to bring balance to the defence if partnered alongside Declan Rice and his no nonsense style of defending would be reassuring after the Hammers shipped so many goals last season.
Therefore before the Toffees know what is happening the Hammers must finally get Gibson to the London Stadium by acting now or be left ruing the day they failed to move for him as it now wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rock up at Goodison Park.
