Tony Pulis is targeting a summer move for Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson but is reluctant to pay the £30 million asking price.

Pulis has identified Gibson as a potential key signing as he prepares to strengthen his West Bromwich Albion squad, with the England Under-21 international poised to leave the Riverside Stadium if the club are relegated.

However, Middlesbrough will demand at least £30 million for the centre-half, a fee that is cooling interest from other clubs, including champions Leicester City.

Albion’s current transfer record is the £13 million they paid Tottenham Hotspur for Nacer Chadli in August. The Hawthorns hierarchy believe the fee for Gibson is steep.

Gareth Southgate recently called Gibson up to the senior England squad, with the player having enhanced his reputation in the Premier League despite Boro’s battle to avoid returning to the Championship.