Burnley could make a move for Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry this summer in a potential swap deal involving Ben Gibson.

Burnley Express claimed that the Clarets are considering the possibility of a transfer exchange between the two clubs which would see the 22-year-old come to Turf Moor and their £15m signing return to Teesside. However, any such deal could rest on whether relegation-threatened 'Boro avoid the drop to League One.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Burnley will not recall Gibson from exile despite Ben Mee's injury leaving them with a sparsity of centre-back cover, with the ex-Middlesbrough defender training at his former club in recent months following disagreements with some staff at Turf Moor.

The £15m acquisition from 'Boro has made only six appearances since joining the Clarets in 2018, with seemingly little sign of him ever resuscitating his Burnley career.

Fry, by contrast, has performed impressively at the Riverside Stadium this season, making 31 Championship starts for Middlesbrough. He has won 4.4 aerial duels and made 5.2 clearances per game this season, while also boasting a solid passing success rate of 77.3% (as per WhoScored).

By way of comparison, Burnley skipper Mee has averaged 4.1 headers per game and has a passing accuracy of 71.4%, while ever-present centre-back James Tarkowski has won 5.3 headers per game but completed just 70.1% of his passes (via WhoScored).

Until Mee's recent injury, he had started every Premier League game this season alongside Tarkowski, illustrating how difficult it can be for other centre-backs to get a look-in at Burnley.

However, Fry's aerial strength and his superior composure in possession should make him a worthy transfer target for the Clarets and could even see him challenge for a first team place at Turf Moor. Even if Middlesbrough are unwilling or unable to take Gibson back, the Lancashire side should strongly consider making a move for the 22-year-old 'Boro defender.

Burnley fans, would you be in favour of a potential swap deal between Fry and Gibson? Have your say by commenting below!