Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka would like to keep Ben Gibson at the club for his entire career, amid speculation of a possible £30million move to Chelsea.
The 23-year-old centre-back is reportedly being lined up by the Blues as a long-term replacement for captain John Terry.
Local boy Gibson was one of Boro’s outstanding players as they earned promotion back to the Premier League last season, and has impressed in his debut Premier League campaign.
Both Chelsea and Everton are reportedly interested while England boss Gareth Southgate is also thought to be tracking his progress.