Everton will reportedly pursue a move for Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson after withdrawing their interest in Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles.
Toffees boss Marco Silva, who is allegedly interested in adding to his side’s defence before the new Premier League season, has allegedly earmarked Lascelles as his number one target.
According to the Northern Echo, however, interest in Lascelles from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur has allowed Newcastle to drive up the asking price for the Englishman, with the new price tag too much for Everton’s budget.
The newspaper adds that Silva will instead look to Gibson, who started all but one of Middlesbrough’s games last term and could be available for around £20m.
The 25-year-old impressed for his current employers while in the Premier League two seasons ago and has cemented his place in Tony Pulis’s team.