Southampton have received an enquiry from Middlesbrough regarding defender Sam McQueen, fuelling suggestions the 23-year-old may form part of a deal for centre-half Ben Gibson.
McQueen made seven appearances for the Saints last season, and has struggled to make an impression on the first team since returning from a year on loan at Southend in 2015-16.
The left-back has been kept out of the lineup by captain Ryan Bertrand, and had been linked with a move away from St Mary’s in this summer’s transfer window.
HITC report (via Teamtalk) that Middlesbrough have shown interest in bringing McQueen to the north-east, perhaps as part of deal that will see them wave goodbye to much-fancied defender Ben Gibson.
A Middlesbrough-native, Gibson has made 185 appearances for ‘Boro’ at the age of just 25.
Believed to be above the level offered in the Championship, Gibson has been heavily rumoured with a transfer to a Premier League outfit for the upcoming season.
The arrivals of Aden Flint and Paddy McNair at Middlesbrough have been significant of the club’s belief they are set to lose Gibson, and they could further strengthen their defensive ranks with the acquisition of McQueen.
