The 31-year-old was one of five first-teamers let go by the Canaries at the end of their contracts as Ben Knapper continues on his mission to reduce the wage bill and lower the average age of the squad.

Gibson is expected to be in high demand this summer and has been linked with a return to hometown club Middlesbrough, but it seems that Stoke are poised to beat a host of clubs to the experienced defender’s signature

Stoke Sentinel are reporting that Gibson ‘is expected’ to sign for the club after his release from Carrow Road.

There has reportedly been interest from the USA in Gibson, but it looks like he is set to reject that opportunity to remain in the Championship.

As Norwich seek to reduce the average age of their squad, Stoke are seeking to insulate theirs with more know-how to try and halt years of steady decline since relegation from the Premier League in 2018.

The ex-Norwich man has been identified as a target to help improve Steven Schumacher’s side after they flirted with relegation last term.

Stoke’s new sporting director Jon Walters is Gibson’s former teammate and praised his application during a difficult spell at Turf Moor back in 2020 prior to his Norwich move.

“I’ll start with the fact that Ben is an unbelievable professional, by the way. He joined Burnley for about £15million from Middlesbrough, and he was in and around the England squad at the time,” he told BBC 5Live.

“He just hasn’t played. He trained unbelievably well every single day. He is so professional outside of the club, and he is constantly doing things to keep himself on top.”

Gibson departed Norwich having won the Championship title as part of Daniel Farke’s side back in 2021 and in the subsequent Premier League campaign that followed.

He made 40 appearances last season in all competitions, helping Norwich reach the play-offs before crashing out to Leeds with a 4-0 loss at Elland Road.

Gibson battled through difficult personal circumstances to perform well for City in an impressive charge to the top six last season under David Wagner.

Norwich are working on a deal to sign Panamanian left-footed defender Jose Cordoba from Bulgarian top-flight side Levski Sofia as Gibson’s replacement. Reports on Friday suggested an agreement between the clubs had been reached in principle.

Stoke have also been linked with departing City left-back Sam McCallum. He left Carrow Road after the two parties failed to agree on a fresh contract for him to remain at the club.