Watford make loan approach for Ben Gibson?

Watford have reportedly approached Burnley over a loan deal for defender Ben Gibson.

The 27-year-old moved to Turf Moor from Middlesbrough in a £15m deal in August 2018 but has since made just six appearances for Sean Dyche's side - including just one in the Premier League.

According to the Evening Standard, new Watford boss Nigel Pearson is keen to bring in Gibson to help secure their Premier League status in the second half of the campaign and has been in contact over a potential deal.

The newspaper says that the Hornets would cover the entire cost of Gibson's wages - thought to be around £50,000 a week - and would want an option to sign him permanently in the summer, but Burnley have rejected their initial advances.

Boro have also been linked with a loan move to bring the player back to the Riverside but are unable to meet his wage demands.