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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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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.

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.

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.

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.

Nottingham Forest are adamant Morgan Gibbs-White is not leaving the club 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.

Brentford are highly unlikely to sell both Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa this summer amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

Manchester United have been in talks with Brentford for Mbeumo for some time, but there remains in a gap in their respective valuations of the forward.

United's offer of a £55m fixed fee plus £7.5m in add-ons falls short of the £65m Brentford want, including all, if not most, up front.

Transfer Centre LIVE! | Brentford news & transfers🐝

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Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

Meanwhile, Wissa is a target for Tottenham, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest, the latter recently having a bid rejected for the Congo striker.

Whichever club agrees a deal for Wissa or Mbeumo would almost certainly rule out the sale of the other.

Brentford selling Mbeumo and Wissa would be such a significant loss of goals and attacking talent that it would be near-impossible for the club to lose them.

That has especially become the case after losing manager Thomas Frank to Tottenham and their captain Christian Norgaard to Arsenal.

Mbeumo scored 20 Premier League goals last season while Wissa netted 19. Mbeumo joined in 2019 from Troyes for just over £4m, while Wissa signed from Lorient for around £7.2m in 2021.

Mbeumo has made it clear he only wants to move to United and personal terms are believed to have been agreed in principle.

Bees sporting director Phil Giles told Sky Sports News that Mbeumo would be happy to stay at the club if a deal, which has to be "right for Brentford", does not materialise.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from next season

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.

Nottingham Forest consider Morgan Gibbs-White's proposed move to Tottenham to be off for now, Sky Sports News has been told, while Forest consult their lawyers over potential legal action.

Sky Sports News understands Forest have ceased all communication with Spurs as things stand. However, Tottenham are hopeful their deal for the England international will still be completed.

Forest believe Spurs made an illegal approach to the player and never granted permission for them to speak to him.

Transfer Centre LIVE! | Premier League ins and outs

Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

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

Sky Sports News reported on Thursday that Tottenham had triggered a £60m release clause in his Forest contract.

Forest believe there has also been a breach in confidentiality around his release clause because Tottenham's bid was pitched at exactly that level.

It is not yet clear if Forest are able to block the transfer entirely. However, it is now expected to be delayed as Forest prepare a complaint to the Premier League.

Forest have refused to comment on Sky Sports News' information. Spurs did not comment when contacted.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from next season

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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Nottingham Forest consider Morgan Gibbs-White’s proposed move to Tottenham Hotspur to be off for now, Sky Sports News has been told, while Forest consult their lawyers over potential legal action.

Sky Sports News understands Forest have ceased all communication with Spurs as things stand.

Forest believe Spurs made an illegal approach to the player and never granted permission for them to speak to him.

Transfer Centre LIVE! | Premier League ins and outs

Tottenham news & transfers⚪

Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season

Sky Sports News reported on Thursday that Tottenham had triggered a £60m release clause in his Forest contract.

Forest believe there has also been a breach in confidentiality around his release clause, because Tottenham's bid was pitched at exactly that level.

It is not yet clear if Forest are able to block the transfer entirely, however, it is now expected to be delayed as Forest prepare a complaint to the Premier League.

Forest have refused to comment on Sky Sports News' information. Spurs did not comment when contacted.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from next season

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.