Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Celtic 'interested' in Boro target plus Ben Gibson competition

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to the Riverside over the last few days is Leicester City centre-back Filip Benkovic, with Boro reportedly in ‘pole position’ to sign the 22-year-old.

City boss Brendan Rodgers has said Benkovic will be allowed to leave the club on loan this month, but only if the Foxes can find a replacement.

Yet Boro could face competition to sign the defender, with Scottish giants Celtic reportedly interested.

Benkovic impressed during a loan spell with the SPL champions during the 2018/19 season, making 27 appearances in all competitions.

According to the Northern Echo, Celtic are still keen on re-signing the defender on loan while Bristol City and Derby are also keen.

Fresh Ben Gibson reports

The other name which has been doing the rounds recently is Burnley defender Ben Gibson.

Boro were interested in re-signing their former centre-back on loan, yet the Clarets seem reluctant to let the 27-year-old leave.

Reports at the start of the week claimed Premier League outfit Watford had seen a loan bid rejected for Gibson, an offer which was said to include a permanent option to buy the player.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon has since claimed a deal could still be reached between Burnley and Watford, tweeting: “Ben Gibson offer includes a buy option at end of loan. Not agreed that number with Burnley yet. But still a chance.”