WATFORD Boss Nigel Pearson is making a shock move for Burnley’s out of favour centre-back Ben Gibson.
Pearson wants the former Middlesbrough defender who has had a miserable time at Turf Moor since signing for £13million.
Burnley flop Ben Gibson is a loan target for WatfordCredit: PA:Empics Sport
The Hornets chief is keen to take Gibson on loan and give him a better chance of first team action at Vicarage Road.
Burnley want Gibson’s wages paid in full and Watford are willing to fork out around £40,000-a-week for the rest of the season.
The deal would include an option to buy, although the clubs have not yet agreed on a fee.
Gibson had other loan moves abroad and interest from Boro, but none of them managed to find the funds for a deal.
The 27-year-old has been reduced to just one solitary appearance in the Carabao Cup this campaign.
And last term he featured in just five games in all competitions.
Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate recently opened the door for Gibson returning to the club.
Speaking after last week’s 1-1 draw against Birmingham, the ex-Tottenham ace spoke of how the club need reinforcements after Dael Fry went off injured.
He said: “It doesn’t half increase the need. I’m sure we will do that, I’m very confident on that. Could it be Ben Gibson? Who knows? It could be anyone.
“Have I spoken to Ben about signing? Not at the minute. Ben Gibson’s a good player, but there’s an awful lot of good players in the league.
“Would he be open to coming back? I’m not sure on that one. But he’s a Boro lad isn’t he?”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
