Tottenham looked all set to sign Morgan Gibbs-White on Friday, but a hiccup has since emerged.
TBR Football understand Evangelos Marinakis is furious after details of a £60m release clause in the England international’s contract were made public, with the Nottingham Forest owner even considering legal action against Spurs, believing an illegal approach was made.
Now, a story from Football London has shared what Tottenham think will happen as their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White takes a twist.
Tottenham remain confident over Morgan Gibbs-White deal
Alasdair Gold now states that Spurs believe Nottingham Forest will only succeed in delaying their pursuit of the 25-year-old rather than managing to collapse the move completely.
It is said that Nottingham Forest had no intention of losing both Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga this summer, having recently sold the latter to Newcastle in a £55m deal.
That is largely why Marinakis is digging his heels in over the Nottingham Forest No.10 as Tottenham circle, but those at Hotspur Way remain confident despite the hiccup in this deal.
Why Morgan Gibbs-White was nowhere to be seen as Nottingham Forest drew 0-0 against Chesterfield
Some Tottenham fans might have thought this deal was back on track after Nuno Espirito Santo left the £60m man out of his squad for Nottingham Forest’s pre-season friendly against Chesterfield, which finished 0-0.
However, Gibbs-White, who admires Mousa Dembele, was simply absent having been granted extended leave for his involvement with England in the middle of June.
That is also the reason why Eberechi Eze – a target for Arsenal – was absent as Crystal Palace recorded a 1-0 win over Millwall in their first friendly of the summer.
Nottingham Forest seem set to cause the Gibbs-White saga to drag on, which will surely frustrate Thomas Frank ahead of Tottenham’s own upcoming friendlies against Reading and Luton, matches the Dane would ideally like the attacking midfielder involved in to help him acclimatise at Spurs.
While that will frustrate fans, there remains confidence this deal will get done, so patience is needed.