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'DON'T HAVE TO SELL'

Middlesbrough boss Garry Monk says only an ‘extraordinary offer’ will convince them to sell Ben Gibson

Boro chief remains determined to keep hold of star man as West Brom ponder making third bid

GARRY MONK says only an “extraordinary offer” would take Ben Gibson away from Middlesbrough.

The £30million-rated centre-half, 24, is wanted by West Brom, who have had two bids rejected, including one of £18million plus add-ons.

Middlesbrough remain determined to keep hold of star man Ben Gibson
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Middlesbrough remain determined to keep hold of star man Ben GibsonCredit: Rex Features
Garry Monk says only an 'extraordinary offer' would convince Boro to sell
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Garry Monk says only an 'extraordinary offer' would convince Boro to sellCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But Boro boss Monk remains determined to keep hold of Gibson, who has twice been called into the England squad, and said: “From day one, it was very clear we don’t have to sell any player.

“I said all along it would have to be an extraordinary offer for any player to leave and we don’t want our important players to leave.

“We are clear on that. We have not given it a second thought.

“He is fine, training well, determined and has this club in his heart, looking forward to the season ahead.”

Baggies boss Tony Pulis confirmed his interest in Gibson last week.

He said: “Ben is a smashing player and I am sure Middlesbrough will want to keep him.

Garry Monk says Boro are 'under no pressure to sell any players' this summer
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Garry Monk says Boro are 'under no pressure to sell any players' this summerCredit: Rex Features
Tony Pulis wants to bring the defender to West Brom
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Tony Pulis wants to bring the defender to West BromCredit: Rex Features

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“They’ll be looking to get promoted again and you can understand why they do not want to get rid of Ben.

“We have had enquiries for Ben and we’ve had enquiries for other players as well.

“We’ll see how those enquiries go, but I think it’s going to be very hard to get Ben out of Middlesbrough.”

Ben Gibson played every game for Middlesbrough in the Premier League last season
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Ben Gibson played every game for Middlesbrough in the Premier League last seasonCredit: PA:Press Association
His performances earned him to England call-ups last season
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His performances earned him to England call-ups last seasonCredit: -
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Stewart Downing is edging closer to the Middlesbrough exit doorCredit: PA:Press Association

Monk also confirmed that Gaston Ramirez looks likely to leave, with the Uruguayan, 26, in talks with Sampdoria.

He was spotted at Gatwick airport earlier today as he prepared to fly out and thrash out a reported £9.85m move.

Gaston Ramirez is closing in on a deal from Boro to Sampdoria
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Gaston Ramirez is closing in on a deal from Boro to SampdoriaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

BEN GIBSON FACTFILE

  • Ben Gibson was born in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough on January 15 1993
  • He is the nephew of Boro chairman Steve Gibson
  • Gibson learnt his trade in the lower leagues with loan spells at Plymouth, York and Tranmere
  • He made his Boro debut against Coventry in April 2011 and has played over 150 games since
  • After losing in the play-off final the previous season, Gibson played a key role in helping Middlesbrough to win promotion from the Championship in 2016
  • Gibson appeared in all 38 Premier League matches for Boro as they were relegated last season
  • He has represented England at U17, U18, U20 and U21 level and received his first senior call-up in March

Stewart Downing, 33, has also been made to train with the Under-23s but is no nearer a move.

Birmingham City boss Harry Redknapp is leading the chase for the ex-Liverpool winger.


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