Burnley successful with £15m bid for Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson?

Burnley have had a bid of £15m accepted by Middlesbrough for centre-back Ben Gibson, according to a report.

The Clarets are understood to have tabled the improved offer on Friday after falling short with previous bids of £11m and £13m.

After missing out on Alfie Mawson to Fulham, Sky Sports News suggests that Sean Dyche was prepared to meet Boro's valuation in order to get a deal over the line.

Gibson, also linked with Everton, West Ham United and Leicester City, will now undergo a medical before finalising personal terms.

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis admitted that he would not stand in the defender's way if a big offer arrived.

"Ben has been a very good player for this club. If he has an opportunity to go to the Premier League then brilliant for Ben," he told reporters. "What has to happen is that this club has to get the best possible deal for the club, then we know where the next centre-half is.

"Sean Dyche has rung me up, been honest with the approach. It's up to the club and the player. Players will know through agents, other clubs, they know what is going on and not going on.

"This club has spent a hell of a lot of money on recruitment and if Ben goes I think we have an ideal replacement in Dael Fry. Dael is a fantastic lad, but if we want someone else then we think the club has to have someone else to go for."

Gibson started all 38 games for Middlesbrough during their unsuccessful 2016-17 Premier League campaign, before featuring 47 times in the Championship last time out.