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Luton 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Thomas Frank's Spurs second best in goalless draw vs League One outfit

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Luton 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur: Thomas Frank's Spurs second best in goalless draw vs League One outfit - Sky Sports
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Tottenham Hotspur showed there was more work to do on the pre-season training ground for Thomas Frank as a strong but incomplete Spurs side were second best against League One Luton in their goalless draw.

This was the latter of two friendlies played on Saturday - with another Spurs XI drawing 2-2 with Wycombe at the training ground in the morning.

How the teams lined up | Match stats | As it happened

Premier League pre-season: Fixtures and results

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This Spurs side, which included new £55m summer signing Mohammed Kudus plus regulars Micky van de Ven, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Yves Bissouma and Guglielmo Vicario, struggled against the sharper and fitter Luton outfit, who begin their League One season on Friday.

Spurs only had two shots in the entire match - a forgettable Kudus effort that was blocked before Johnson's close-range effort was well kept out by Josh Keeley, who moved to Luton from the Premier League club last week.

And Luton had the better chances as Vicario had to keep out Millenic Alli's effort from a tight angle, with Shandon Baptiste heading a good chance over from the resulting corner.

Substitute goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who came on at half-time for the Italian, kept out two goalbound efforts from Alli and Nakhi Wells in the second period, as Spurs struggled to keep up with the play and fashion chances themselves.

With just over ten minutes to go, Frank took off his senior stars for a raft of youngsters, with substitute Will Lankshear putting a good effort wide as the clock ticked into 90. But Frank will not have learned much from these senior stars on the basis of this performance.

Analysis: More questions than answers with these Spurs players

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz at Kenilworth Road:

Context is probably needed before too much judgement is made on this result. A lot of these Spurs players were playing their first 60 minutes of the season, with Luton further along in their preparations ahead of their League One opener on Friday night against AFC Wimbledon.

But Thomas Frank won't have been happy with the number of attacking opportunities his side fashioned in a game they should be winning based on quality alone, even though the Hatters were always going to be a bit sharper to the ball.

There were a few mitigating factors. Destiny Udogie came off in the warm-up which wouldn't have helped alongside Dominic Solanke's minor ankle problem which ruled him out of this game. But £55m signing Mohammed Kudus showed extremely little on his first Spurs start, while the likes of Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson did not add much more.

There were a few interesting tactical aspects from Frank based on his instructions from the sidelines. His constant shouting of "play" as his side had the ball in the defensive third showed a distance from his direct Brentford days.

The shape was interesting too, with Jamie Donley - who started at left-back in place of the injured Udogie - inverted into the midfield but also front three at times, showing Frank may have some interesting ideas for Spurs' full-backs.

There was also a fluid front four - with it shifting from a 4-3-3 formation out of possession into a 4-2-4, with Tel and Mikey Moore becoming split centre forwards when flanked by Johnson and Kudus.

But despite the interesting tweaks, and this not being a complete Spurs squad, there are more questions than answers when it comes to the Spurs players who turned out at Kenilworth Road.

Another Spurs XI draw to League One Wycombe

Earlier on Saturday, a separate Tottenham XI - which included first-team players such as Pedro Porro and Heung-Min Son - drew to another League One team in Wycombe.

Pape Sarr gave Spurs the lead but a double from Wycombe's Junior Quitirina either side of half-time put the third tier side ahead.

Sarr grabbed a second to avoid a defeat for Spurs. There was also a late withdrawal for Rodrigo Bentancur, who picked up an illness before kick-off and was replaced in the team by George Abbott.

Spurs XI: Austin; Porro, Romero, Vuskovic, Davies; Abbott, Bergvall, Sarr; Odobert, Richarlson, Son

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Luton vs Tottenham LIVE! Pre-season friendly score, match updates, line-ups

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Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Tottenham target left out of Nottingham Forest squad due to private matter

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Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Tottenham target left out of Nottingham Forest squad due to private matter - Sky Sports
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Tottenham target Morgan Gibbs-White has not travelled with the Nottingham Forest squad for their pre-season training camp in Portugal because of a private matter.

Sky Sports News has been told the issue is not football or transfer-related, and was communicated by the midfielder internally.

Sky Sports News understands the club are happy to respect his privacy, and Forest have made no public comment on the matter.

Forest threaten Spurs and Gibbs-White's agent with legal action

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It is expected that he will join up with the squad later this week after his team-mates landed at Faro airport on Monday.

Nevertheless, it comes at a very difficult time for Gibbs-White and Forest, with relations tense following the stand-off with Tottenham over their £60m bid for him.

Up until now, the 25-year-old has continued to report for duty in line with his personal training plan, and there has been no indication he will take strike action or try to force through a move.

The stalemate continues between the two clubs over his proposed move to north London.

Forest's bosses shut down lines of communication with Spurs, accusing them of an illegal approach for the player and a breach of the confidentiality clause in his contract, which prevented any public release of the value of his buy-out clause.

Forest have made it clear in letters to both Tottenham and Gibbs-White's agent that they reserve the right to pursue legal action in the future, and while Spurs remain interested in buying him and are prepared to meet his £60m clause, they have not yet pursued the matter.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from 2025/26

From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

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Thomas Frank: Spurs boss outlines vision, ambitions and reacts to transfer stories in first press conference

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Thomas Frank: Spurs boss outlines vision, ambitions and reacts to transfer stories in first press conference - Sky Sports
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Tottenham will be brave, aggressive and attacking next season, says Thomas Frank, as the club's new head coach laid out his vision.

During an at-times light-hearted first press conference as Spurs boss, Frank joked about the "different surroundings" of the club's high-end press facilities at the training ground, in contrast to the more modest set-up he has been used to during his seven-year tenure at Brentford.

He also acknowledged that he is in the honeymoon period of this role. "Everyone's happy, the sun is shining…"

But a football coach doesn't go from managing in Denmark to taking charge of the Europa League winners - via a supremely impressive spell maximising the potential of Brentford - without a clear philosophy.

Frank's is entwined with the motto of Spurs.

"I'm very clear on the principles on every phase of the game. I want us to be brave and very aggressive. I also want to attack," he said.

"Brave is absolutely linked [with] 'To dare is to do'. If you are not brave, it is difficult to achieve anything. Brave is crucial. The aggressivity is crucial if you want to win or achieve something. And you need to attack."

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Whether Frank is given the time to deliver that plan was another theme of his opening exchanges with the media as Spurs boss.

His predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, was sacked despite winning the Europa League. Frank says the Australian will "forever be a legend here" for that achievement but his dismissal reflected the ruthlessness of chairman Daniel Levy, who axed five managers during the time Frank led Brentford.

"Only five?! I like to challenge myself and I have never been sacked before, that's one reason I took the job, to get more risk into my daily life," laughed the Dane. For now, he is confident he will be given the time to deliver on his aims.

"Coming to a big club, there is pressure. We need to perform, it's me, the staff and the players. We have to do it together," he said. "I like the ambitions and everything I do, every decision I make so far, is not about surviving one game or one year. It is for the long-run.

"I will do everything, every day, to work towards taking this club to new heights. That is the ambition.

"If I was not ambitious, I would not sit here. I am looking forward to it."

Where those new heights might deliver Tottenham to were not expressly named by Frank. He admitted the Premier League's top sides are currently a way ahead of a Spurs team which finished 17th last season.

But the target is to build a group capable of competing in multiple fronts - and interesting statement, given how Postecoglou admitted he prioritised Europa League progress over Premier League results in the second half of last season.

"It was positive they won. They got the trophy that this club deserved," said Frank when asked about building on that Spurs triumph over Man Utd in Bilbao.

"Hopefully we can add to that. The first aim is to be able to compete in all four tournaments.

"That has to be the ambition we build towards. The 2019 Champions League final was the last season the club was able to compete in more than one competition.

"We need to be able to compete in Europe and the cups. If you can compete, there is a chance you can be top."

Frank's first shot at adding silverware will come in the Super Cup against Paris St-Germain on August 13. His first step into the dugout as Tottenham boss comes on Saturday, in a friendly at Reading.

Frank on…

Who will be his captain?

"I haven't decided anything on that. I have a long list of bullet points that I need to get through.

"[Heung-min Son] was captain last year and when we play two [teams for 45 minutes each vs Reading on Saturday], Son and [Cristian] Romero will be the two captains. That will be my decision."

The futures of Son and Romero

"My expectation is that all the players are here. They are training well, I have been very impressed. They are playing [on Saturday] and that is a good indicator that they will be at the club.

"Two top players. Sonny has been here 10 years and finally got his deserved trophy. So important for the team and the club.

"Romero, a World Cup, Europa League and Copa America winner, very important for us.

"Both have trained well and set the standards. Both will play [vs Reading]. I am very happy."

New signing Mohammed Kudus

"Great signing from the club. Top work from Daniel [Levy] and [Spurs technical director] Johan [Lange], getting a very good player in.

"He will give us some of that unpredictability in the game. His finishing is very good and he is almost at the perfect age to perform and to hit the next level."

On transfer target Morgan Gibbs-White

"You know me well, I will not speak about players that are not mine. I will speak about the players who are inside the squad at Tottenham."

The mood at the club since Ange Postecoglou's exit

"Ange will forever be a legend. He is one of three who have won a European trophy, a great achievement.

"I see happy players. Positive and smiling energy, training really well with a good vibe around the place.

"There should be a good vibe, they just won the Europa League title! Going into the new season, football is about dreaming and hoping."

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Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest threaten Tottenham Hotspur and player's agent with legal action

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Nottingham Forest have written to both Tottenham and Morgan Gibbs-White's agent, threatening legal action over what they believe was an unlawful approach for the player and a breach of confidentiality laid out in the player's contract.

Sky Sports News has been told the letters put both parties "on legal notice", reminding them of their obligations and spelling out how Forest believe both Spurs and Gibbs-White's representatives have breached Premier League rules and the terms of the player's contract.

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Tottenham have not commented publicly, but it is understood they believe they have done nothing wrong, and they retain an interest in signing the midfielder after being unsuccessful with a £60m bid.

Far from backing down on this issue, Forest have made it clear that even though they have taken no punitive action so far, they are prepared to do so in the future - both via the Premier League and the law courts.

Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett answers the key questions around the transfer saga...

What are the rules on approaching players?

Even though it is relatively commonplace for clubs to sound out their would-be transfer targets in advance, 'tapping up' (or any meaningful negotiation) is banned under the Premier League rules.

Rule T.3 in the Premier League handbook says a buying club must get written permission from the selling club before approaching any player, or they face disciplinary action.

"Any Club which… makes an approach either directly or indirectly to a Contract Player except as permitted by either Rule T.1.2 or Rule T.2 shall be in breach of these Rules and may be dealt with under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules."

What is the contract confidentiality dispute?

Concerning Gibbs-White's current contract, legally there is a conflict between the rights of the employer and those of the employee.

Forest have a contractual agreement for the terms of Gibbs-White's contract - and specifically the level of his release clause - to be kept confidential, so if that has been breached, they have a legal case.

Conversely, Gibbs-White has a contractual agreement that if another club is prepared to pay a certain transfer fee, he can leave the City Ground. He has a potential legal claim there, too.

Neither side wants to see this end up in the courts but both sides have that as a possibility in the background.

What does Gibbs-White want to do?

Sky Sports News has learned that Forest have been trying for almost 12 months to open negotiations with Gibbs-White over a new and improved contract at the City Ground, but he has refused to engage in those talks.

Forest are prepared to give him a huge pay rise, in exchange for the removal of the release clause, which would make him one of, if not the, biggest earner at the club.

From Forest's point of view, Gibbs-White's refusal to discuss a new contract shows he doesn't have a long-term commitment to Forest.

So what's next?

The result is the current stalemate. If Gibbs-White really wants to join Tottenham, it may be that he has to bring legal action against Forest - claiming a breach of contract - to try to force a move.

There is no indication that he is prepared to do that currently, and in fact he returned to pre-season training yesterday as scheduled, with the rest of Forest's international players.

Alternatively, it could be that Spurs are prepared to increase their offer for the player, and pay an amount above his release clause, to try to placate Forest and re-open lines of communication.

Again, there is no indication at this stage that Spurs are prepared to do that, and there is no dialogue between the two clubs.

It is also possible that another club takes advantage of the impasse, and comes in with a separate offer for the player. Manchester City showed an interest in Gibbs-White earlier in the window but have not pursued that interest.

Neither Forest nor Spurs have commented on these latest developments.

How difficult is this situation for Forest?

It is a very sensitive one. They don't want arguably their best player to be unhappy, but they also don't want to be viewed as a 'selling club' or one that is lacking ambition.

Following the departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, were Gibbs-White to leave too, Forest will have lost two of their best players - albeit by earning £115m - before the season starts.

Marinakis will strongly defend his own reputation and the standing of his football club, although the presence of the release clause is of real concern and ultimately means Forest don't have control over the future of one of their key assets.

Marinakis and Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, are among the toughest negotiators in the Premier League and neither is likely to back down.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from 2025/26

From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

Source

Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest threaten Tottenham Hotspur and player's agent with legal action

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Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest threaten Tottenham Hotspur and player's agent with legal action - Sky Sports
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Nottingham Forest have written to both Tottenham and Morgan Gibbs-White's agent, threatening legal action over what they believe was an unlawful approach for the player and a breach of confidentiality laid out in the player's contract.

Sky Sports News has been told the letters put both parties "on legal notice", reminding them of their obligations and spelling out how Forest believe both Spurs and Gibbs-White's representatives have breached Premier League rules and the terms of the player's contract.

Transfer Centre LIVE!

Nottingham Forest news & transfers🔴⚪ | Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

Tottenham have not commented publicly, but it is understood they believe they have done nothing wrong, and they retain an interest in signing the midfielder after being unsuccessful with a £60m bid.

Far from backing down on this issue, Forest have made it clear that even though they have taken no punitive action so far, they are prepared to do so in the future - both via the Premier League and the law courts.

Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett answers the key questions around the transfer saga...

What are the rules on approaching players?

Even though it is relatively commonplace for clubs to sound out their would-be transfer targets in advance, 'tapping up' (or any meaningful negotiation) is banned under the Premier League rules.

Rule T.3 in the Premier League handbook says a buying club must get written permission from the selling club before approaching any player, or they face disciplinary action.

"Any Club which… makes an approach either directly or indirectly to a Contract Player except as permitted by either Rule T.1.2 or Rule T.2 shall be in breach of these Rules and may be dealt with under the provisions of Section W (Disciplinary) of these Rules."

What is the contract confidentiality dispute?

Concerning Gibbs-White's current contract, legally there is a conflict between the rights of the employer and those of the employee.

Forest have a contractual agreement for the terms of Gibbs-White's contract - and specifically the level of his release clause - to be kept confidential, so if that has been breached, they have a legal case.

Conversely, Gibbs-White has a contractual agreement that if another club is prepared to pay a certain transfer fee, he can leave the City Ground. He has a potential legal claim there, too.

Neither side wants to see this end up in the courts but both sides have that as a possibility in the background.

What does Gibbs-White want to do?

Sky Sports News has learned that Forest have been trying for almost 12 months to open negotiations with Gibbs-White over a new and improved contract at the City Ground, but he has refused to engage in those talks.

Forest are prepared to give him a huge pay rise, in exchange for the removal of the release clause, which would make him one of, if not the, biggest earner at the club.

From Forest's point of view, Gibbs-White's refusal to discuss a new contract shows he doesn't have a long-term commitment to Forest.

So what's next?

The result is the current stalemate. If Gibbs-White really wants to join Tottenham, it may be that he has to bring legal action against Forest - claiming a breach of contract - to try to force a move.

There is no indication that he is prepared to do that currently, and in fact he returned to pre-season training yesterday as scheduled, with the rest of Forest's international players.

Alternatively, it could be that Spurs are prepared to increase their offer for the player, and pay an amount above his release clause, to try to placate Forest and re-open lines of communication.

Again, there is no indication at this stage that Spurs are prepared to do that, and there is no dialogue between the two clubs.

It is also possible that another club takes advantage of the impasse, and comes in with a separate offer for the player. Manchester City showed an interest in Gibbs-White earlier in the window but have not pursued that interest.

Neither Forest nor Spurs have commented on these latest developments.

How difficult is this situation for Forest?

It is a very sensitive one. They don't want arguably their best player to be unhappy, but they also don't want to be viewed as a 'selling club' or one that is lacking ambition.

Following the departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, were Gibbs-White to leave too, Forest will have lost two of their best players - albeit by earning £115m - before the season starts.

Marinakis will strongly defend his own reputation and the standing of his football club, although the presence of the release clause is of real concern and ultimately means Forest don't have control over the future of one of their key assets.

Marinakis and Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, are among the toughest negotiators in the Premier League and neither is likely to back down.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from 2025/26

From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

Source

Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest determined to keep midfielder as contract talks revealed

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Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest determined to keep midfielder as contract talks revealed - Sky Sports
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Nottingham Forest are determined to keep Morgan Gibbs-White, but are yet to lodge a formal complaint with the Premier League about Tottenham's conduct in their attempts to sign the midfielder.

Sky Sports News can reveal that Forest have been trying for almost a year to open negotiations with Gibbs-White over a new and improved contract at the City Ground, but he has chosen not to engage in those talks.

Forest are prepared to give him a huge pay rise, in exchange for the removal of the release clause, which would make him one of, if not the, biggest earners at the club.

Transfer Centre LIVE!

Nottingham Forest news & transfers🔴⚪ | Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

Sky Sports News has been told Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is prepared to lose significant sums of money to defend his position that Spurs made an alleged illegal approach for one of his side's best players and that there has been a breach of confidentiality in Tottenham seemingly being aware of the value of Gibbs-White's buy-out clause.

Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett answers the key questions around the transfer saga...

Are Spurs still keen to do a deal?

Yes, we understand they are, but they're taking a watching brief with a month-and-a-half of the transfer window still to go.

Spurs have made it clear they are prepared to meet Gibbs-White's buy-out clause, which has been widely reported to be worth £60m.

It is possible that Spurs make an increased offer - above the level of the reported buy-out clause - to try to appease Forest and re-open lines of communication. But there are no indications Tottenham are prepared to do that and it is far from clear whether that would work, with Marinakis currently resolute in his position.

What does the current contract situation mean?

From Forest's point of view, Gibbs-White's refusal to discuss a new contract shows he doesn't have a long-term commitment to Forest.

Concerning his current contract, legally there is a conflict between the rights of the employer and those of the employee.

Forest have a contractual agreement for the terms of Gibbs-White's contract - and specifically the level of his release clause - to be kept confidential, so if that has been breached, they have a legal case.

Conversely, Gibbs-White has a contractual agreement that if another club is prepared to pay a certain transfer fee, he can leave the City Ground. He has a potential legal claim there too.

Neither side wants to see this end up in the courts but both sides have that as a possibility in the background.

So what's next?

The result is the current stalemate. If he really wants to join Tottenham, it may be that Gibbs-White has to bring legal action against Forest, claiming a breach of contract to try to force a move.

He could go on strike or put in a formal transfer request. There is no indication that he is prepared to do that currently, and in fact he returned to pre-season training as scheduled on Monday with the rest of Forest's international players. Contrary to some social media reports, he was at training in Nottingham again on Tuesday.

Sky Sports News has been told Tottenham have no current plans to do anything at this stage but they certainly haven't given up in their attempts to sign Gibbs-White. It is clear they feel they have done nothing wrong and nothing different from what most clubs do when they are considering a transfer offer for a player, but first want to gauge whether that player would be open to the idea.

How difficult is this situation for Forest?

It is a very sensitive one. They don't want arguably their best player to be unhappy, but they also don't want to be viewed as a 'selling club' or one that is lacking ambition.

Following the departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, were Gibbs-White to leave too, Forest will have lost two of their best players - albeit by earning £115m - before the season starts.

Marinakis will strongly defend his own reputation and the standing of his football club, although the presence of the release clause is of real concern and ultimately means Forest don't have control over the future of one of their key assets.

Marinakis and Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, are among the toughest negotiators in the Premier League and neither is likely to back down.

Neither Forest nor Spurs have commented on these latest developments.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from 2025/26

From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

Source

Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest determined to keep midfielder as contract talks revealed

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Morgan Gibbs-White transfer news: Nottingham Forest determined to keep midfielder as contract talks revealed - Sky Sports
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Nottingham Forest are determined to keep Morgan Gibbs-White, but are yet to lodge a formal complaint with the Premier League about Tottenham's conduct in their attempts to sign the midfielder.

Sky Sports News can reveal that Forest have been trying for almost a year to open negotiations with Gibbs-White over a new and improved contract at the City Ground, but he has chosen not to engage in those talks.

Forest are prepared to give him a huge pay rise, in exchange for the removal of the release clause, which would make him one of, if not the, biggest earners at the club.

Transfer Centre LIVE!

Nottingham Forest news & transfers🔴⚪ | Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

Sky Sports News has been told Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is prepared to lose significant sums of money to defend his position that Spurs made an alleged illegal approach for one of his side's best players and that there has been a breach of confidentiality in Tottenham seemingly being aware of the value of Gibbs-White's buy-out clause.

Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett answers the key questions around the transfer saga...

Are Spurs still keen to do a deal?

Yes, we understand they are, but they're taking a watching brief with a month-and-a-half of the transfer window still to go.

Spurs have made it clear they are prepared to meet Gibbs-White's buy-out clause, which has been widely reported to be worth £60m.

It is possible that Spurs make an increased offer - above the level of the reported buy-out clause - to try to appease Forest and re-open lines of communication. But there are no indications Tottenham are prepared to do that and it is far from clear whether that would work, with Marinakis currently resolute in his position.

What does the current contract situation mean?

From Forest's point of view, Gibbs-White's refusal to discuss a new contract shows he doesn't have a long-term commitment to Forest.

Concerning his current contract, legally there is a conflict between the rights of the employer and those of the employee.

Forest have a contractual agreement for the terms of Gibbs-White's contract - and specifically the level of his release clause - to be kept confidential, so if that has been breached, they have a legal case.

Conversely, Gibbs-White has a contractual agreement that if another club is prepared to pay a certain transfer fee, he can leave the City Ground. He has a potential legal claim there too.

Neither side wants to see this end up in the courts but both sides have that as a possibility in the background.

So what's next?

The result is the current stalemate. If he really wants to join Tottenham, it may be that Gibbs-White has to bring legal action against Forest, claiming a breach of contract to try to force a move.

He could go on strike or put in a formal transfer request. There is no indication that he is prepared to do that currently, and in fact he returned to pre-season training as scheduled on Monday with the rest of Forest's international players. Contrary to some social media reports, he was at training in Nottingham again on Tuesday.

Sky Sports News has been told Tottenham have no current plans to do anything at this stage but they certainly haven't given up in their attempts to sign Gibbs-White. It is clear they feel they have done nothing wrong and nothing different from what most clubs do when they are considering a transfer offer for a player, but first want to gauge whether that player would be open to the idea.

How difficult is this situation for Forest?

It is a very sensitive one. They don't want arguably their best player to be unhappy, but they also don't want to be viewed as a 'selling club' or one that is lacking ambition.

Following the departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, were Gibbs-White to leave too, Forest will have lost two of their best players - albeit by earning £115m - before the season starts.

Marinakis will strongly defend his own reputation and the standing of his football club, although the presence of the release clause is of real concern and ultimately means Forest don't have control over the future of one of their key assets.

Marinakis and Daniel Levy, the Tottenham chairman, are among the toughest negotiators in the Premier League and neither is likely to back down.

Neither Forest nor Spurs have commented on these latest developments.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from 2025/26

From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.

Source