New Middlesbrough boss wants to keep star defender Gibson

New Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk has made keeping Ben Gibson at the club one of his main objectives this summer.

Gibson, who is currently on international duty with England ahead of their friendly with France on Tuesday night, has been heavily linked with a move to a Premier League side after Middlesbrough were relegated back down to the Championship last season.

The 24-year-old was one of few positives for Middlesbrough last season during their first campaign in the Premier League since 2009 and Monk’s side are bracing themselves for offers from top-flight sides this summer.

However, Monk, who was made Middlesbrough boss last week after walking out of Leeds at the end of last season, has no interest in selling Gibson and is hopeful of keeping his star defender.

“Ben is one of a number of players here who are integral to the squad, integral to making that step back,” The Daily Mirror quote Monk as saying. “Ben is obviously a big focal point in the team. I’ve watched him over the last couple of seasons, and I’m well aware of him and what he can bring to the team.

“It’s important that you keep your best players, and important you’re able to keep a core together and give yourself the best possible opportunity of reaching the club’s ambition, which is to go back to the Premier League.

“Ben is a big part of that. Discussions will happen with players. It’s my job to sit with them, and show them the way forward. It’s important that we keep our best players, and the club are in agreement with that.”

Gibson was one of just five players that played in every single minute of the Premier League last season and one of just three outfielders (3420).

For more stats on Ben Gibson, click here to visit his WhoScored player page