Southampton are targeting Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson.

Saints want Middlesbrough's Gibson as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk, says The Sun.

According to reports, the Saints have identified the 24-year-old as the ideal man to fill the expected void left by the Dutchman.

Gibson has now jetted off on holiday as he decides on what his future holds.

Southampton, who sacked manager Claude Puel on Wednesday, are searching for defensive reinforcements.