BURNLEY have confirmed they have allowed Ben Gibson to train with Middlesbrough.

Reports circulated on Wednesday morning that the defender was back with his hometown club with his relationship with the Clarets having broken down.

The joint club record £15 million signing back in August 2018 has linked up with Boro after seeing a potential move to Watford fall through on deadline day.

The Daily Mail reported that Gibson has been involved in disagreements with Clarets staff during training as his situation has deteriorated. 

“Following reports in the national press, Burnley Football Club can confirm they have given Ben Gibson permission to train with Middlesbrough Football Club,” Burnley said in a statement.

“The defender made it clear, in the weeks leading up to the end of the January transfer window, that he wanted to leave Turf Moor to seek regular first team football.

“Unfortunately for the player, the club did not receive an offer it felt was acceptable and he remains contracted to the club.

“The club will not be making any further comment on this matter.”

Contracted to Burnley until 2022, Gibson has made just one Premier League appearance for the Clarets and was wanted by a host of clubs during the January transfer window with interest both at home and abroad.

That included Boro, the club where he started his career and who are owned by his uncle Steve Gibson.

The 27-year-old's only appearance for the Clarets this season came in the Carabao Cup exit against Sunderland back in August.