Morgan Gibbs-White has told Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis he wants to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, according to TBR Football.
The north London side are looking to be active in the summer transfer window for new manager Thomas Frank after completing the arrivals of Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus, and Gibbs-White has emerged as a top target.
Spurs believed they had the deal wrapped up after triggering his £60m release clause last week, but Forest have since threatened legal action and are accusing Tottenham of an illegal approach, while ceasing all communication with the club which has put the deal in doubt.
Gibbs-White Tells Forest He Wants Spurs Move
Playmaker has returned for pre-season training
Gibbs-White, who has been described as 'unplayable', was set to undergo a medical with the north London side last week after agreeing terms to join, as he looks to take the next step in his career by playing Champions League football.
However, Forest are currently blocking the deal as they don't want to lose their captain, having already sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United in a deal worth around £55m earlier in the transfer window.
But the England international has now personally told Forest owner Marinakis that he wants to leave to join Tottenham during the transfer window, despite returning for pre-season training as initially planned.
But Marinakis wants to find out how Spurs were aware of the secret release clause in his contract without making an approach to the club, hence legal action being taken by Forest.
As things stand, both the player and Tottenham are confident that the deal will happen eventually as the release clause does exist and both Spurs and Gibbs-White want it to be activated, however, Forest's stance means any deal is likely to be dragged out for a little while longer.
Frank is also reportedly keen on adding a striker to the squad, with Yoane Wissa a target, and the club are currently preparing a move for him.
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