Morgan Gibbs-White’s chances of joining Tottenham Hotspur may have just increased.
The saga of Gibbs-White’s potential move to Spurs rumbles on with Nottingham Forest standing firm over their stance that the player is not leaving.
Last week, Tottenham triggered Gibbs-White’s release clause, but that has left the Midlands club furious, and they want answers as to how Spurs found out about this £60m clause.
But the North London club are not giving up on doing a deal for the 25-year-old and remain intent on securing his signature this summer.
Nottingham Forest looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements
Nottingham Forest have started looking at replacements for Morgan Gibbs-White, suggesting that they believe he could still depart, according to Ben Jacobs.
There is a sense that Forest are buying themselves time by stalling the deal for their captain and in that time, they have been looking at new players.
One of the players they are looking at is Leicester City forward Bilal El Khannouss, who has a release clause worth around £22m.
Jacobs told NUFC Matters YouTube channel: “It’s buying Forest time and in the time taken, Forest are looking at Morgan Gibbs-White replacements, which tells you they still think there’s a chance he could go to Spurs.
“Bilal El Khannouss, at Leicester, is one name to watch. He has a 26m euro relegation release clause, and Forest are one of at least three Premier League clubs that have expressed an interest in the Moroccan international.”
The Daily Mail has also linked Manchester City’s James McAtee with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.
The 22-year-old could be the perfect replacement for Gibbs-White following an impressive European Championship as he lifted the trophy for England U-21.
Tottenham still think they can sign Morgan Gibbs-White
Tottenham Hotspur still believe that they can get a deal over the line to sign Gibbs-White and remain patiently waiting for things to start moving again.
Gibbs-White is keen to join Tottenham, and as TBR Football revealed, he has communicated this desire to Nottingham Forest.
Gibbs-White returned to training on Monday and was still training with the Forest squad on Thursday morning.
However, Gibbs-White wants his future resolved by Monday when Forest are due to travel for their pre-season camp.
Jacobs added: “The Gibbs-White situation is that Spurs still think they can get this deal over the line, they argue they haven’t breached any rule over the release clause.
“However, they could make a bid, they could make a bid higher than the clause on different terms and then Nottingham Forest would have to decide whether they want this to all go away and just sell a player who wants to move to Spurs.”