EVERTON are preparing a summer move for Ben Gibson – but Middlesbrough are confident of holding on to all of their leading lights provided they win promotion to the Premier League this season.

Gibson has been identified as Everton’s preferred replacement for John Stones, who is set to leave Goodison Park this summer, and the centre-half is one of a number of Boro players to be commanding growing interest from clubs in the top-flight.

George Friend, a long-term West Brom target, and Daniel Ayala, a player who continues to interest his former club Norwich City, are regarded as desirable options after contributing to the best defensive record in the Football League this season, while Adam Clayton has also been scouted by a number of Premier League clubs in recent weeks.

Boro officials are braced for a series of formal approaches this summer, but are confident of being able to rebuff all advances provided they are preparing for a top-flight campaign of their own in the close season.

If the Teessiders can win promotion next month – either automatically or via the play-offs - they will be guaranteed a minimum £100m next season as a result of the Premier League’s new television deal.

Detailed financial plans will only be put in place once Boro know what division they will be playing in next season, but in the event of promotion, it is anticipated that chairman Steve Gibson will commit a significant sum to strengthening the squad for a season in the top-flight.

Some of that money would be earmarked for new signings, but the Boro hierarchy would also be willing to invest in the current squad in order to keep it together.

Whether Aitor Karanka is still in position to oversee that process remains to be seen, as the head coach’s position is expected to be reassessed at the end of the season no matter what happens in the next few weeks.

The training-ground bust up that resulted in Karanka being barred from taking charge of the 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic caused considerable disruption at a crucial stage of the season, and will form a key part of an anticipated end-of-season review.

Whatever happens with the Spaniard’s position, however, there is a determination at boardroom level that the momentum of the current campaign should not be allowed to dissipate, even if substantial bids are received for a number of the club’s players.

Everton’s burgeoning interest in Gibson stems from an acceptance within Goodison Park that Stones will be heading to either Manchester City or Chelsea this summer, and will therefore have to be replaced.

Sources on Merseyside claim Everton have been monitoring Gibson throughout the season, having first considered a bid for the 23-year-old last summer, and will make a formal approach as soon as Stones’ future plans become clear.

West Brom have also been linked with Gibson in recent weeks, but Boro are adamant they do not want to lose the former England Under-21 international, whose uncle will be the man who ultimately makes the final decision over his future.

West Brom are also interested in Friend, with Baggies boss Tony Pulis known to be a strong admirer of the full-back. Friend is another player who looks certain to be the subject of formal approaches this summer, but again Boro are confident they will be able to hold on to the popular 28-year-old provided they can offer Premier League football next season.

Tomorrow’s game at Birmingham City will go a long way towards determining the outcome of the promotion battle, with Boro looking to pull three points clear of Burnley and Brighton, who do not return to action until Monday.

The Teessiders will be roared on by around 5,000 fans at St Andrew’s, and Stewart Downing is hoping their support proves crucial in what will be the final regular away game of the season.

Boro ceded top spot after failing to break down Ipswich last weekend, but Downing insists any lingering disappointment in the wake of the goalless draw has long since disappeared.

“We had a couple of days rest after the Ipswich game to get out of the building and clear our heads,” said the midfielder. “We trained on Tuesday, and it was all good.

“The lads are all buzzing for it this Friday. It’s all still in our hands, and that’s what we’ve been speaking about – we just need to keep winning the games.

“There are a lot of Boro fans going to Birmingham, including family and friends, and we need a good result for everyone. We’ll be looking to get on the front foot and, if we get at them, I think we can get a result.”