Nottingham Forest ace Morgan Gibbs-White is said to be ‘excited’ by the prospect of a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The Reds playmaker is a top target for the north London club this summer. Indeed, a couple of weeks ago he was close to making the switch when Spurs triggered a £60 million release clause in his contract.
The move hit the buffers as Forest were angered by what they considered to be an illegal approach for their star man. But Spurs’ interest has not cooled and there has been talk of an improved £65m bid being considered.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Gibbs-White has ‘remained adamant’ he ‘wants’ to head to the capital. That is despite reports the Reds would prefer to sell to previous suitors Manchester City due to Tottenham’s recent actions.
It is claimed the England international is ‘excited’ by the project put to him by new boss Thomas Frank when Spurs initially tried to sign him. Forest, however, are seemingly reluctant to do business and the Europa League winners have been left ‘frustrated’ at the current deadlock.
Amid speculation about his future at the City Ground, Gibbs-White has carried on as normal. By all accounts he has shown a good attitude in training and he played his first minutes of pre-season last weekend when he started the 0-0 draw with Monaco.
The 25-year-old was given a warm reception by those Reds fans in attendance at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium. He responded with a heart gesture when he made his way off the pitch at half-time.
Gibbs-White, who has two years remaining on his contract, did not travel with his Forest teammates to Portugal on Monday for their pre-season training camp. His absence was due to a personal matter, not transfer related, and he has since linked up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
Head coach Nuno has not conducted any media interviews so far this summer. But defender Ola Aina has said of the uncertainty surrounding his teammate: “No one is unsettled or rattled. Morgan is a professional.
“He is a professional. He is doing his job. Whatever is going on, that’s up to him. But everyone is happy with him and we’re all training and working hard, just like normal.”
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has refused to speak about the situation. Speaking at his first press conference as Spurs manager, Frank said: "You know me well so I will use what I've always said is that I won't speak about players from outside the club."