Nottingham Forest have now officially lodged a complaint over Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.
The England international reported for pre-season at the Reds’ Nigel Doughty Academy this morning. However, his future at the City Ground is still mired in uncertainty.
Late last week, Gibbs-White appeared to be on the verge of a move to north London. He was believed to be set for a medical on Friday after Spurs triggered the £60 million release clause in his Forest contract.
But the Reds have been left furious at what they believe to be an illegal approach for their player by Tottenham. They are understood to have now lodged a complaint to the Premier League regarding their rivals’ actions.
Noises suggest Gibbs-White is still likely to make the switch to the capital eventually. A deal appears to be on hold for now, although the likelihood is it is simply delayed rather than scrapped entirely.
Forest are said to have concerns over how Spurs became aware of confidential details in their star man’s contract. It has also been claimed Tottenham were not granted permission to speak to the player.
According to The Standard, Spurs have been notified by the Reds of ‘their objection’. The Premier League are obliged to investigate any formal complaint made.
Gibbs-White has two years remaining on his deal Trentside but the suggestion is he has shown ‘little interest’ in penning a new one. Such a stance leaves Forest in a difficult position given his value would decrease as time ticks down on his terms.
The Reds have already lost one key player this summer in Anthony Elanga. The winger completed a switch to Newcastle United last week after two years wearing the Garibaldi.
Gibbs-White was not involved on Saturday as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side kicked off pre-season with a 0-0 draw at Chesterfield. The 25-year-old was among a group of players permitted additional time off due to his international commitments with England last month.