According to Sky Sports, Middlesbrough are rivalling Derby County and Stoke City for Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson after their attempts to loan Ben Gibson were rejected.
Middlesbrough are seemingly in the hunt for a new central defender this month.
Manager Jonathan Woodgate hoped to bring back Ben Gibson on loan, but Burnley rejected their advances along with Championship clubs Fulham and Huddersfield Town.
Gibson left Boro to join Burnley for a club-record £15 million fee back in 2018.
Sky Sports claim Boro have now turned their attentions to Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson who is also attracting interest from Derby County and Stoke City.
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The Cherries could be willing to let the 23-year-old central defender leave on loan this week. However, Eddie Howe’s side may want to bring in a new addition first.
Simpson has made just one Premier League start this season, covering at left-back.
Derby are short on natural defensive options. Curtis Davies, 34, and Brighton loanee Matt Clarke are first choice options following the sacking of Richard Keogh.
Davies’s recent injury saw right-back Andre Wisdom play at central defence in the 1-0 win over Hull City. Wisdom performed well and could provide another option there.
The Rams have yet to sign any new players this month. The recent EFL charge looms over, while the delay in new investment may also have played a role.
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