EXCLUSIVE: Release clause for Middlesbrough star revealed

TEAMtalk understands Middlesbrough have told Ben Gibson and Marten De Roon they want the pair to stay this summer.

Centre-half Gibson and Dutch midfielder De Roon were both expected to be heading out of The Riverside following impressive campaigns last season.

Gibson, 24, who is the nephew of chairman Steve, has come through the youth system at Boro and has now earned himself a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton, Leicester, Southampton and Stoke have all been monitoring Gibson, but Boro have put a £25million price-tag on his head, and new boss Garry Monk has told the club’s hierarchy that he wants to keep the home-grown star.

Unlike Gibson, De Roon, who is Boro’s second most expensive signing of all-time having arrived from Atlanta last summer in a £12million deal, has a release clause, which we can reveal is £10million.

A number of Italian clubs including Lazio and AC Milan have enquired about a loan deal, but Boro are more than happy to keep De Roon – given his wages dropped significantly after the club were relegated.

Monk is also believed to have been impressed with De Roon from last season and wants the chance to work with him.

One player Monk does not want to work with is Stewart Downing, and he has told him he can leave on a free transfer and it is understood Steve Bruce and Harry Redknapp could battle to take the 32-year-old to Birmingham, with Aston Villa and Birmingham City possible options for him.

Brighton, Burnley, Watford and a number of MLS clubs have also shown an early interest in the former Liverpool and West Ham man.