Ben Gibson struggled for game time at Burnley (Getty Images)
According to LancsLive, Burnley outcast Ben Gibson had been a subject of interest from relegation-placed Watford ahead of a summer move.
Gibson, 27, came through the ranks of Middlesbrough youth system and featured for several clubs including Plymouth, Tranmere Rovers and York City before returning to his parent club in 2013. He became a regular member of the squad and helped Boro get promoted to the top-flight at the end of the 2015/16 season.
However, a move to Turf Moor in the summer of 2018 has not been a good one for the defender. He has featured in just one Premier League game in the last two campaigns and has been deprived of opportunities due to the presence of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee in the heart of the Clarets’ defence.
Meanwhile, Watford have endured one of their one seasons in the top-flight, which cost Quique Sanchez Flores his job earlier in the campaign. The arrival of Nigel Pearson has also not helped their cause as the Hornets are facing a risk of getting relegated.
They are just one place above the relegation zone and they need to do better if they are to secure Premier League status once the season resumes. They were at their best when they beat league leaders Liverpool 3-0 last month but that was their only win in the last seven games.
Their defence has been shaky throughout the campaign. Christian Kabasele and Craig Cathcart have been the only consistent players in their backline and apart from them, no one has made an impact on the team. They have already conceded 44 goals so far, which is below par to the standards of the league.
Therefore, the manager should look to strengthen the defensive unit, first and foremost. And should make an attempt to sign Ben Gibson.
The 27-year-old may not have played much in the last two seasons but he has been influential for Middlesbrough in his last five seasons with the club. He could still be able to make a comeback in his career with the Hornets if he is able to reproduce the same form he showed for Boro.
At Watford, Adrian Mariappa is already 33 and his contract expires in the summer. In that case, the Englishman could be brought in to add depth to the squad. Cathcart is also nearing the twilight of his career and the Hornets need to bring in reinforcements.
Pearson has struggled with the lack of depth in his squad, especially at the backline. At the same time, Gibson needs to revive his career elsewhere. He could be the one to provide them with the depth as he still has some more years left to play at a higher level.
Therefore, Watford should try and secure the Englishman’s services before the new season arrives.
