EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle in surprise bid for former Boro favourite

Former Middlesbrough favourite Ben Gibson is set to be offered a return to his native North-East – with Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United, TEAMtalk can reveal.

New Toon chief Steve Bruce is looking for options to bolster all areas of his squad, and our sources have informed us that Newcastle are ready to make an offer of a loan with a view to a permanent deal for the 26-year-old.

Injuries meant Gibson barely featured for Burnley last season following a £15m switch last summer and we exclusively revealed last month how the Clarets have told him he can move on.

The likes of Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Norwich were all mentioned as potential suitors, while Sheffield Wednesday – then under the management of Bruce – were also looking at a potential deal.

But Bruce’s move to St James’ Park means he will look to take Gibson to Newcastle instead.

And we understand that while Burnley would prefer a sale, they are ready to sanction a loan move for the 26-year-old centre-half.

Bruce’s regime, meanwhile, has been given a timely show of support from Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, who is seemingly impressed by what he has seen.

 

Get the latest personalised Magpies products on our new TEAMtalk Newcastle shop!