Manchester City are preparing a £20million offer for Ben Gibson as their move for Jonny Evans stalls.
Pep Guardiola wants to sign one more centre back before the transfer window closes and had identified West Brom star Evans as the man he wants.
But persuading the Baggies to sell is proving a tough nut to crack and Gibson is emerging as a target for City.
Middlesbrough seem determined to keep Gibson this summer having turned down two offers from WBA, the second in the region of £20m.