Middlesbrough have opened the door to selling Ben Gibson to Chelsea.

The Sunday Express says Chelsea have been told that they will have to pay £30million if they want to beat off Manchester City to land Middlesbrough star Ben Gibson.

Chelsea scouts have watched Gibson, 24, who is the nephew of Middlesbrough owner Steve on a regular basis this season.

Gibson Snr blocked the exit of the England under-21 international during the last transfer window but he may not be able to keep hold of him this summer.

Gibson only signed a new five-year contract with the club he joined as a 12 year-old last August and are under no pressure to sell.

But they know it will be hard to turn down offers that match their asking price especially if they lose their fight against relegation to the Championship.