Tottenham’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White has slowed down after Nottingham Forest were left fuming by their approach for the player – who is continuing to play for them during pre-season.
It looked as if the north Londoners were going to get their man after matching the £60million release clause in his contract. Forest were frustrated that the confidential figure in his deal was met by Tottenham and reacted angrily, threatening legal action.
The progress of any potential deal has stalled and Gibbs-White played for Forest in their friendly against Monaco this weekend. He was due to be part of the Forest squad that went to Portugal for a pre-season camp this week, but did not travel at the start of the week for personal reasons, reports the Athletic.
Gibbs-White’s team-mate Ola Aina recently said: “At the end of the day, we’re all professionals – we’ve got a job to do and that’s what Morgan is doing right now. He’s keeping it professional.”
Forest maintain they never gave Spurs permission to speak to Gibbs-White, who is thought to be keen on a move to north London. They are considering legal action regarding Tottenham’s interest and want to see whether a confidentiality agreement regarding his release clause has been breached.
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Forest have already lost Antony Elanga, who moved to Newcastle for more than £50m, and will be loathed to lose another of their key attacking weapons in Gibbs-White. The club’s impressive season was always going to see their top players attract attention from rivals.
The City Ground outfit do appear to be making moves should they lose Gibbs-White with Manchester City star James McAtee identified as a target. Several clubs are keen on the playmaker, who is valued at £35m, with Forest potentially advancing their interest in the days ahead, reports the Telegraph.
Tottenham meanwhile have already spent £55m to sign Mohamed Kudus from West Ham with new manager Thomas Frank wanting more forwards to arrive in the capital.