NOTTINGHAM FOREST are delaying Morgan Gibbs-White's move to Tottenham while they consult their lawyers over potential legal action.
SunSport understand Gibbs White, 25, is set for a sensational exit from Forest after Spurs triggered his secret £60million release clause.
And the player was preparing for a medical as well as a long-term agreement.
According to Sky Sports, however, Forest have put the breaks on the playmaker's move to the North Londoners.
The same source claims the Tricky Trees consider the deal to be "off for now".
Forest are consulting their lawyers over what they believe was an illegal approach.
The club argue they never gave permission for talks and have cut all communication with Tottenham, Sky Sports report.
Forest believe there has also been a breach in confidentiality around the England international's release clause because Spurs' bid was pitched at exactly that level.
While the existence of the clause was known at the City Ground, it had not been publicly disclosed until after it was triggered by Tottenham on Thursday afternoon.
But SunSport understands it is unlikely the club can block the move during this year's summer transfer window.
Nevertheless, Gibbs-White's transfer to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium can be delayed as his current club prepares a complaint to the Premier League.
SunSport have contacted Forest for comment over the recent developments.
Gibbs-White, who has two years left on his City Ground deal, played a massive role during Forest's surprise Premier League rise last season.
They finished seventh in the Prem and earned qualification to the Conference League.
And the attacking midfielder helped them return to Europe for the first time in 30 years with a total of seven goals and ten assists in 38 appearances.