Aston Villa and Sunderland are set to battle it out for Everton midfielder Darron Gibson, as they both look to improve their squad to avoid relegation.
Sky Sports reported on air this morning how Gibson would be available on a loan from The Toffees, with the midfielder looking for regular football to ensure he is in the Ireland squad for Euro 2016 in France.
Gibson has not featured for Everton since December, with injury woes tormenting the majority of his time at the Blues. Not only has the 28-year-old struggled on the pitch, he has also had a torrid time with his off-field antics. Gibson was banned from driving for 20 months and fined around £6,000 for hitting two cyclists while drunk driving in his £125,000 Nissan sports car back in September.
Gibson joined the club in 2011, but he has only made 48 appearances for the Blues mainly due to injury. The most appearances he has mustered in a season is 23 back in the 2012-13 campaign.
The Irishman was an important member of the squad under David Moyes and was often regarded as the player that made the team tick. His chances have been slim during Roberto Martinez reign with players such as Muhamed Besic, James McCarthy and Gareth Barry preferred and is likely to move on to further his international career.
