It all seemed to good to be true. After wrapping up a deal for West Ham playmaker Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham's pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White lasted no more than a couple of hours.
The Fabrizio Romano "Here we go!" was rapid after the first report of our interest surfaced, and it seemed as if Gibbs-White would be pictured in Lilywhite less than 48 hours after Kudus' arrival.
The ease of it all made us wary, and alas, Spurs' proposed deal for Gibbs-White is under threat due to an alleged "illegal approach". On the day the England international was supposed to undergo a medical at Hotspur Way, reports of Forest's fury emerged.
They aren't going to let their star man go without a fight, but questions remain as to what exactly they can do to prevent Gibbs-White from joining Tottenham after we reportedly triggered the player's not-so-secret £60m release clause.
Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham remains in doubt - deal not off
There's yet to be a decisive outcome, and, as he's contractually obliged to do, Gibbs-White was involved in Forest training on Monday and Tuesday at the start of pre-season.
According to Sky Sports, Forest are threatening legal action over Spurs' approach for their No. 10. They believe we've breached Premier League rules and the terms of Gibbs-White's contract, specifically the size of his release clause. Spurs have refused to offer much by way of comments on the matter, but there's a sense within the club that they've done nothing wrong.
I find it hard to believe that Daniel Levy would get himself in a situation with potentially dire consequences. The chairman is many things, but stupid isn't one of them. This reeks of Evangelos Marinakis kicking up a fuss. He has a history.
For now, Forest are adamant that Gibbs-White is going nowhere, but I can't imagine the English midfielder playing for the club again. The 25-year-old has so far refused to engage in talks over a new deal, and while he's not the type to force a move, Gibbs-White has done enough to suggest that he'd be keen to move on this summer.
He tuned into the parade. He's watched Thomas Frank's 'Day in the Life' on YouTube. He's seen the black kit, and he's thought about what it'd look light when illuminated by the bright Champions League lights. He wants Spurs.
For now, the deal remains in doubt. There's a chance it doesn't go through, but perhaps a few extra million will do the trick. Neither Levy or Marinakis will want to feel like they've lost.