'I think Ben’s heart will always be at Middlesbrough': Neil Warnock opens up on Ben Gibson talks before Norwich move

The 27-year-old came through the academy at Boro and captained the club before moving to Burnley in 2018.

After hardly playing for the Clarets and falling out with the club, Gibson started training with Boro at the start of this year while looking for a new team.

A move to Teesside was always going to be difficult for financial reasons and the centre-back eventually joined Norwich City on loan in the summer.

Gibson will come up against Boro when his new side travel to the Riverside this weekend, with both teams competing at the top end of the Championship.

“We spoke to Ben about coming to us at one stage,” said Warnock when asked about Gibson. “I think Ben’s heart will always be at Middlesbrough but life goes on and he has to make a name for himself where he can.

“Norwich is a cracking club so I’m pleased for Ben, he’s a good lad.”

When asked how close a deal was, the Boro boss added: "It wasn’t really close, there were talks about it but financially it didn’t make sense really.

"You have to look after your own family as well and I could understand where Ben was coming from. It didn’t really get down the line if I’m honest.

"When he was training with us it made me realise how lucky I was to have Dael Fry,” Warnock laughed. “I used to say that to Ben.”

Boro will also come up against another former player in Jordan Hugill this weekend.

The 28-year-old frontman has only started three league games this campaign, with Teemu Pukki usually leading the line for the Canaries, but did score against Boro last season.

“I think you always want to do well against your old clubs,” added Warnock when asked about Hugill. “Jordan scored that cracking goal last year against us for QPR.

“I would imagine he is looking forward to it but he might not be playing so we just don’t know.”

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