Middlesbrough FC transfer rumours: Leicester City planning for Filip Benkovic departure plus Ben Gibson latest

Boro are desperately trying to sign another centre-back before Friday’s 11pm deadline, with Leicester City defender Filip Benkovic reportedly on their radar.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers has said the club would allow the Croatian to leave on loan, but only if they can find a replacement.

Leicester have been linked with Southampton centre-back Jannik Vestergaard, yet there are doubts about the Dane moving to the King Power Stadium.

According to the Sun reporter Alan Nixon, Vestergaard remains the club’s primary target while the Foxes see Preston defender Ben Davies as a back-up option.

If one of the deals does come off, it could open the door for Boro to sign Benkovic.

Watford target Ben Gibson

One player who Boro fans would welcome to the Riverside is former defender Ben Gibson – yet it is looking increasingly unlikely the 27-year-old will leave Burnley this month.

That is after Premier League side Watford saw a loan move rejected for the centre-back, who has made just one first-team appearance this season.

According to Sky Sports, the offer for Gibson included an option to buy the player in the summer.

Boro were also interested in re-signing their former captain on loan, yet Burnley appear unlikely to let him leave unless they find a replacement.