Everton ready to use Mo Besic and Ramiro Funes Mori in bid to tempt Boro into selling Ben Gibson
Toffees are battling Premier League rivals Southampton to try and sign £20m-rated centre-half
EVERTON are ready to use Mo Besic and Ramiro Funes Mori as bait in an attempt to sign Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson.
The Toffees have joined Southampton in the chase for the highly-rated centre-half.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson will not allow his 25-year-old nephew to leave on the cheap.
However, the claim Everton could use the duo in some “hard-bargaining and negotiating” to land the defender.
Besic had a hugely-impressive loan spell at The Riverside last season and Boro boss Tony Pulis would love to have him back.
The Bosnian is believed to be keen on returning to Teesside if new Everton manager Marco Silva deems him surplus to requirements.
However, the Goodison Park outfit value him at £12million and would only be willing to do business for a permanent deal.
Pulis is also keen on Funes Mori with several reports claiming he has tabled a £5m bid for the 27-year-old.
The Argentinian is also a target for Mexican club Monterray but Boro would be able to offer a better financial package.
Gibson is valued at around £20m and it remains to be seen whether a player-plus-cash deal would be acceptable to the North East outfit.
