Nottingham Forest are trying to prevent Morgan Gibbs-White from leaving the club despite Tottenham Hotspur activating his £60m release clause.
Forest believe Tottenham have illegally approached Gibbs-White and are therefore considering a complaint against the North Londoners.
There is still a belief that the England international will eventually complete a transfer, however, it’s not guaranteed.
Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett has explained that Nottingham Forest are ‘adamant’ the 25-year-old will remain at the City Ground.
Forest fans aren’t happy with Gibbs-White’s refusal to sign a new contract, though, as it’s emerged he wanted to keep his release clause.
Perhaps it’s best for all parties to end this saga so Forest, in particular, can spend their precious time finding a replacement.
It seems they’re making plans anyhow, as it’s coming to light that a Leicester City star is on their radar.
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Nottingham Forest considering bid for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss
Nottingham Forest are considering a bid for Leicester City playmaker Bilal El Khannouss, who is expected to leave the Foxes following relegation to the Championship.
Pete O’Rourke explains that El Khannouss is being eyed as a potential successor to Gibbs-White after an impressive individual season.
Despite operating in a struggling side, the 21-year-old managed to create a whopping 42 chances in the Premier League (per FotMob), so he was worth well more than his three assists.
Leicester value El Khannouss at around £40m, but given their need to raise funds, Forest may be able to land his signature for less than that figure.
El Khannouss also tries the progressive pass
El Khannouss’ former Genk coach Michel Ribeiro spoke to Sky Sports earlier this year and heaped praise on his former youngster.
“He never has a problem to play under pressure. He never hides,” Ribeiro explained.
“They were important traits as a teenager at Genk; they are even more important now, in the context of a relegation battle at Leicester. He is not afraid to take risks and he almost always plays forward.
“He finds spaces between the lines and sees the game very fast.”
That’s exactly the same traits Gibbs-White boasts, so the Morocco international would be an ideal replacement.