Aitor Karanka: Middlesbrough "lucky" to retain Ben Gibson

Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has admitted that he is "lucky" that defender Ben Gibson has not been targeted by Premier League clubs this summer.

The 22-year-old excelled at the heart of the Boro defence last season as he helped them post the best defensive record in the Championship, while he impressed with the England Under-21s in their European Championship campaign.

Karanka believes that Gibson is setting a fine example to the younger players at the club in his commitment to the North-East outfit.

He told Sports Mole: "I'm lucky, but I know him and the most important thing for him is that he is improving every day. He is a player that wants to be here because he grew up in the area.

"He's a good example for everybody, including the first-team squad and the academy players. I'm lucky because he is still with us."

When asked if could he place a value on Gibson, Karanka added: "I cannot put a value on him because then I may have people asking to buy him."

Gibson made his debut for Boro in 2010.