Southampton have already bolstered their midfield and attacking midfield options this transfer window by bringing in Stuart Armstrong and Mohamed Elyounoussi to the club. And now the Saints, according to the Daily Echo, could look to strengthen their defence with the possible addition of Ben Gibson, who would be a shrewd acquisition.

The Breakdown

After coming close to relegation last season, Southampton have been quick to dip into the transfer market for reinforcements. Armstrong and Elyounoussi are now Saints players, but manager Mark Hughes will need more if the club are to not find themselves caught up in another relegation battle.

The biggest concern for Hughes will be up front: front men Guido Carrillo, Charlie Austin, Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long aren't the most reliable strikers in the league.

And since Virgil van Dijk's big-money transfer to Liverpool, Southampton's central defence, on paper, looks like it could do with a further addition.

Gibson's name has come up as a potential option to reinforce the Southampton backline with the Daily Echo suggesting the Saints have reignited their interest in the 25-year-old after previously cooling their interest.

Despite Middlesbrough's poor Premier league 2016/17 campaign, which saw them relegated straight back to the Championship, £7m-rated (via Transfermarkt) Gibson was one of the better players on the club's return to English football's top flight.

Gibson's impressive performances saw him attract interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City (via Daily Mail) to put things into perspective and, at 25, the Boro vice-captain will only continue to improve.

Gibson is highly rated at the Riverside meaning any potential transfer deal is likely to be an expensive one, but it's one worth pursuing for Southampton.