Why a swap deal between Everton and Middlesbrough involving £20m star could be a win-win

As per reports, Everton are ready to give away Mohamed Besic and Ramiro Funes Mori in a bid to sign Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson.

Gibson, 25, is valued at around £20m and it remains to be seen whether a player-plus-cash deal would help the Toffees lure the defender away to Goodison Park.

Everton apparently endured an underwhelming campaign despite finishing 8th last season under Sam Allardyce. After sacking Allardyce, Everton have appointed Marco Silva to turn around the club’s fortunes next season.

The Toffees struggled defensively this past season, leaking 58 goals in the league. Michael Keane failed to live up to the high expectations that he arrived with. Keane’s positioning last season was often poor and it appears he is the kind of defender that needs a better partner to get the best out of him.

Keane was let down by Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka – both the defenders above 30 and well past their prime. Mason Holgate impressed in patches and as the defender is young, he has a lot of time to develop before becoming a regular starter at the club.

Ramiro Funes Mori is wanted by Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis and with Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka nearing the end of their careers, it is high time Silva signs a new central defender, someone reliable and ready to hit the ground running.

In that case, Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson would fit the bill perfectly at Everton. The former England Under-21 international has been on the books of Boro for his entire professional club football career so far. By staying at Middlesbrough even after their relegation, Gibson has shown himself to be loyal but now is the chance to step back into the top-flight.

Everton should consider throwing a lifeline at Gibson, who is strong and powerful. He has played in the Premier League before, proving his reliability and solidity despite Boro getting relegated in the 2016-17 campaign.

At 25, this will be the right time for him to make a move from Middlesbrough, where his progress has stalled. Also, Gibson could be the defender who could succeed in taking the pressure off Keane at Everton.

Without any doubts, Gibson would be a smart signing for Everton. Silva needs defensive reinforcements and to get his icy hands on Gibson, they must agree to let go Muhamed Besic in a swap deal with Middlesbrough.

Besic, 25, enjoyed his loan spell at Middlesbrough last season and manager Tony Pulis is reportedly keen to have him back at Teesside next season.

So as things stand, Everton and Middlesbrough should arrange a Gibson-Besic swap deal this summer.