Clarets land Gibson at last
BURNLEY yesterday signed defender Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough for a joint club-record fee of £15million.
Clarets manager Sean Dyche had been on Gibson’s trail for some time but needed to match the fee paid for his striker Chris Wood to get his first deal of the summer over the line. “I’m absolutely delighted, it’s a big step for me,” said Gibson.
“I played at Boro for 15 years, since I was a boy, so it’s a huge step and one I’m really, really excited about. The place seems like a club that’s certainly on the up.”
Gibson has sealed a four-year deal and will compete with established pairing Ben Mee and James Tarkowski for a place in the Burnley back four. The 25-year-old, nephew of Boro chairman Steve Gibson, went down with Middlesbrough in 2016-17 – his only previous campaign in the top flight.
Despite that, he won plenty of admirers for his performances and was called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate in March 2017. The Clarets have needed reinforcements at the heart of the defence since Michael Keane left for Everton a year ago, getting through last season with only Kevin Long as back-up to Mee and Tarkowski.
LEICESTER have agreed a deal to sign winger Rachid Ghezzal from Monaco.
The Foxes will pay an undisclosed fee for the 26-year-old Algeria international, who has put pen to paper on a four-year contract. WATFORD are on the trail of £12million French winger Wesley Said, as manager Javi Gracia aims to fill Richarlison’s boots.
The Hornets have identified Said, right, as a potential replacement after Richarlison’s £40m exit to Everton.
Premier League spies flocked to Ligue 1 club Dijon last term to scout Said and Watford could make a bid for the 23-year-old before the transfer window closes.
Said, like Richarlison, can play anywhere across the frontline.