According to the Mirror, Leicester City have identified Ben Gibson as the ideal replacement for Harry Maguire, should he complete a move to Manchester United this summer.

Maguire shone at the World Cup in Russia this summer with England, catching the eye with his aerial dominance and comfort with the ball at his feet. 

With the Red Devils now apparently keen on bringing the burly 25-year-old to Old Trafford, Leicester City must be thinking about who they can recruit to fill Maguire’s boots, only one summer on from signing him themselves.

Ben Gibson appears to be that target, however, Leicester are unlikely to be the only Premier League club with interest in the 25-year-old.

Burnley’s Sean Dyche looks determined to add to his defence this summer. The Clarets have already had a bid for West Brom’s Craig Dawson rejected, according to Sky Sports. A move for Gibson now, if successful, would go a long way towards making Burnley’s defence strong and deep enough to contend with the Europa League campaign ahead.

The Breakdown

In James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, Burnley already have an excellent first choice central defensive pairing. However, the first choice back up option they have in Kevin Long really isn’t of the standard required for life in the top half of the Premier League table.

With, potentially, a lot of games to play this season, Dyche needs every member of his squad to be up to the task of maintaining the club’s impressive recent rise. 

Bringing Gibson in would create healthy competition for places amongst the back line at Turf Moor, and would ensure that Dyche has enough high quality options at his disposal to successfully negotiate the gruelling season ahead.

Transfermarkt value Gibson at £9 million. If Burnley can beat off their Premier League rivals who are battling for his signature, then landing Gibson would be an excellent bit of business for the club.