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It had looked as if Morgan Gibbs-White was destined for a move to Tottenham Hotspur, with rumours that a medical had been planned ahead of completing his transfer from Nottingham Forest. However, that deal was quickly shelved after Forest accused Spurs of making an “illegal approach” to sign the midfielder.

Spurs reportedly made a £60million bid to sign Gibbs-White, which was said to have matched a release clause in his contract. But Forest, unhappy with the way their Premier League rivals went about things, lodged a complaint, leaving Gibbs-White’s future hanging in the balance.

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Gibbs-White was involved in Forest’s goalless draw against Ligue 1 side Monaco over the weekend, as speculation about where he will play his football next season continues to grow. But Gibbs-White hasn’t travelled alongside his team-mates for their pre-season training camp in Portugal, with the reason having since become clear.

It’s reported by The Telegraph that Gibbs-White isn’t involved in Forest’s initial squad because of a ‘personal matter’ unrelated to football. Instead, it’s suggested that the current plan is for Gibbs-White to join up with the rest of the Forest players later this week.

Gibbs-White was crucial to Forest last season, as they finished seventh in the Premier League and secured European football. It was initially meant to render qualification for the Conference League, but due to Crystal Palace’s multi-club ownership issue, the East Midlands outfit look likely to be bumped up to the Europa League.

Despite the unexpected boost, Gibbs-White is still being tipped to leave the club this summer. It’s suggested that earlier this year Forest had attempted to tie him down on a long-term contract, with Gibbs-White resisting the temptation.

The Daily Mail report that a second deal in the region of £65million is being considered by Spurs, as they look to secure the services of the England international this summer. Elsewhere, Forest might’ve already found their ideal replacement, with Manchester City’s James McAtee having been mooted.

Pep Guardiola deems the England youth ace surplus to requirements, with City hoping to bank a fee in the region of £35m for McAtee. Forest could face Premier League competition in the form of West Ham United, meanwhile, a move to the Bundesliga has also emerged as a possibility for McAtee.

The attacking midfielder is claimed to have travelled to Germany recently, meeting the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund and was impressed by what he saw. Clubs in the Premier League have until September 1 to conclude any business.

Police are investigating alleged clashes in the crowd during Thomas Frank's debut as Tottenham head coach. Frank's new side won 2-0 over Reading on Saturday afternoon to give the Dane a fantastic start to life in north London.

Goals from Will Lankshear and new defender Luka Vuskovic, 18, alongside an impressive debut from £55million West Ham United acquisition Mohammed Kudus, ensured Spurs and Frank claimed a triumph against the League One outfit. But during the closing stages of the pre-season fixture at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, some unsavoury incidents are said to have unfolded in the stands. Disorder was allegedly sparked amongst spectators in the final moments of the encounter at the summit of the south east corner of the venue where the Spurs and Reading supporters were positioned nearest to each other.

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Stadium officials within that section were forced to step in, establishing a substantial buffer zone between the rival factions. Missiles appeared to be hurled, with some striking Reading staff caught in between.

Thames Valley Police are now investigating to find those responsible.

A spokesperson for the force told football.london: "We are aware of a public order incident at yesterday's match between Reading and Tottenham at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Officers are investigating and we are working with the club to identify the individuals involved.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact the force on 101 or by making a report online, quoting investigation reference number 43250365707."

A version of this article first appeared on football.london

Tottenham are reportedly ready to hijack Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of Illia Zabarnyi by meeting Bournemouth’s £60million asking price for the talented defender. The 22-year-old, who has already been capped 49 times by Ukraine, joined the Cherries from Dynamo Kyiv for almost £20m in January 2023.

Zabarnyi has been a key player for Bournemouth over the last two seasons and has started 75 of his side’s previous 79 Premier League matches. He helped the Dorset team finish ninth in the table last season, their first top-half finish since returning to the top flight in 2022. But he could be on the move in the coming weeks as he has been linked with a move to PSG since the latter stages of the last campaign. Spurs appear to be desperate to halt the transfer, however, and take him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium instead. And the player was even linked with a move to Liverpool last month.

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According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, PSG have sent offers for Zabarnyi in the region of £52m, which have all been rejected by Bournemouth.

And Tottenham are ready to pay the £60m, including bonuses, requested by the Cherries if the player is open to remaining in the Premier League and moving to north London.

However, Zabarnyi is said to be prioritising a move to PSG, so Spurs boss Thomas Frank could be left disappointed.

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Zabarnyi spoke out about his early days in football during a chat with The Telegraph last November as he explained: “When I started playing, I was too kind on the pitch. It was not good.

“My coach, Mircea Lucescu [at Dynamo Kyiv], told me, ‘You need to be strong, you need to be scary.’ I had to stop being too nice.”

The player then explained: “I am young but I play against experienced players. Every time I need to learn more, to be better tomorrow than I was yesterday. It is the only way to be at the top.”

Zabarnyi also admitted he has learnt from watching Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who has won the Premier League, Champions League and Club World Cup during his Anfield career.

The Bournemouth man added: “I love how he plays. I watch how he moves on the pitch. When I play against someone, I watch how they communicate and I am learning from that.

“I have space to improve. From every game I try to take something that helps me grow. I am young but I want more, because in my heart I am a leader. I want to lead.”

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank refused to be drawn into a conversation about Morgan Gibbs-White as he broke his silence on the player. Spurs have reportedly been accused by Nottingham Forest of ‘illegally approaching’ the winger after triggering his £60million release clause.

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Gibbs-White joined Forest from Wolves three years ago and has gone on to bag 18 goals and 28 assists in 118 games for his current team. He enjoyed a sensational campaign last time around as he contributed seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League to help his team secure a seventh-place finish. But his future is now up in the air, despite the fact that he still has another two years remaining on his contract.

According to Sky Sports, Forest have written to Tottenham and Gibbs-White’s agent and have threatened legal action over what they believe to be an unlawful approach to sign the attacking player.

The East Midlands giants have made it clear that they are willing to take punitive action via the league and the courts.

The report claims that Tottenham believe they have done nothing wrong and retain an interest in signing the England international.

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Frank addressed members of the media during his first press conference as Tottenham boss on Friday ahead of his team’s pre-season friendly with Reading.

And after being asked about Gibbs-White, the 51-year-old explained: “You know me well so I will use what I've always said and that is that I won't speak about players from outside the club.”

Gibbs-White is believed to be keen to leave the City Ground this summer, but has reportedly decided not to boycott training in an attempt to push through a transfer.

And his sentiments appear to have changed significantly over the last year, with the star telling The Telegraph last August: “A lot has happened since I’ve come here, I’ve definitely grown up a lot and Forest have been the perfect club for me.

“I’ve loved every single second being a Forest player. It’s difficult leaving your boyhood club, and the place where I grew up, but I knew it was a step I had to make.

“I was young, immature and inexperienced at Wolves, and when you’re that age you don’t realise that’s why you’re not getting consecutive game-time. As a kid I didn’t realise that.

“Now I’ve got that experience playing every week at this level and I’m honoured and proud to wear this shirt.”

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reportedly confident that he will win the battle to sign one of his former players. Spurs are among a host of Premier League sides showing interest in Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, but each one of them may be forced to go without due to a threat which is completely out of their hands.

The Bees have already suffered the departures of long-serving manager Frank and captain Christian Norgaard this summer, while they look set to lose their top scorer from last season, Bryan Mbeumo, to Manchester United. Letting go of Wissa, who formed a deadly partnership with Mbeumo last term, would surely be too great a risk for new Brentford boss Keith Andrews.

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But the clubs that have taken a liking to Wissa are not ready to down tools just yet. Nottingham Forest hold a long-standing interest in the DR Congo international, while Newcastle United want to sign him as an alternative to Hugo Ekitike after seeing their move for the Frenchman hijacked by Liverpool.

The Tricky Trees and the Magpies can both offer European football after finishing seventh and fifth in the Premier League last term. Despite finishing a dreadful 17th, Tottenham also bagged themselves European pulling power after winning the Europa League.

And according to TBR Football, Frank is confident that, if it came down to a straight shootout between Spurs, Newcastle and Forest, Wissa would opt for north London.

The report adds that Wissa and his representatives are in discussions with 'four or five different clubs' as they weigh up their next move. The 28-year-old has scored 49 goals in 149 Brentford matches since completing an £8.5million switch from Lorient in 2021.

Now, despite Wissa only having a year left on his contract (plus the club's one-year option), Brentford are believed to value the forward at £50m.

With none of his 19 goals last season coming from the spot, Mohamed Salah was the only player in the Premier League to rack up more non-penalty goals than Wissa, and the Egyptian was only ahead by one.

After making loan moves for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso permanent, and welcoming teenager Luka Vuskovic following a deal that was agreed in 2023, Spurs have started the summer by signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham and Japanese defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale.

Tottenham are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Alejandro Garnacho, who looks set to depart Manchester United this summer. The winger is one of five players who have been exiled from first-team training after requesting to leave Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia, Antony and Jadon Sancho are the other four players in question.

Garnacho is thought to have played his final game for the Red Devils following a breakdown in his relationship with Ruben Amorim. The pair have failed to see eye-to-eye since the United boss arrived from Sporting and it seems clear that Garnacho is no longer in his plans. He was linked with Chelsea earlier in the window but Tottenham have now emerged as contenders for his signature.

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The north Londoners have been monitoring the 21-year-old's situation, according to the Daily Mail, and could firm up their interest with an official bid in the coming weeks.

United are reportedly looking to sell Garnacho, as opposed to loaning him out, because he would generate a significant profit under financial fair play rules. He was previously valued at £70million but a deal is thought to be unlikely to fetch that amount.

Tottenham are not the only club with an interest in the Argentina international, with Chelsea still believed to be keeping close tabs. Aston Villa have also been linked with a potential move after Garnacho was spotted wearing one of their shirts last month.

Amorim would seemingly be happy for Garnacho to leave, having exiled the winger from training. It was also claimed that United's five outcasts were recently given time off so they could explore potential moves away from Old Trafford.

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Garnacho's relationship with Amorim was already fraught before the Europa League final against Tottenham. However, it went beyond the point of repair when the forward launched a public attack on his manager after being named on the bench.

He said: "It's obviously tough for everyone after this season, which was really s***, both now and after losing the Community Shield. We didn't beat anyone.

"Up until the final, I played every round, I helped the team. Today, playing 20 minutes... I don't know. The game has an influence, but the season itself and the situation at the club... I'm going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens next."

Garnacho's brother Roberto added fuel to the fire with his own comments, writing on Instagram: "Working as no one else, helping every round, coming from two goals last two finals… just to be on the pitch for 19 minutes and get thrown under the bus."

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Garnacho made 58 appearances for United across all competitions last season, chipping in with 11 goals and 10 assists.

United legend Paul Parker recently urged the club to sell Garnacho as quickly as possible, suggesting that he would benefit from a move abroad rather than staying in the Premier League.

"Garnacho needs to be exported," said Parker. "There is no exit, because there will never be success at Manchester United. He doesn’t have the right attitude and he doesn’t want to put in enough work. I don’t think that ever will change.

"He needs a bit of fresh air, he needs a change of environment, and I think he could benefit from a move to another country."

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Tottenham are reportedly in club-to-club talks with Genoa to explore the signing of Koni de Winter - a Belgian defender dubbed 'the next Vincent Kompany'. De Winter spent six years contracted to Italian giants Juventus before moving on in search of regular first-team football, and his impressive performances in central defence have alerted some of Europe's top sides.

After dispensing with Ange Postecoglou and hiring Thomas Frank in his place, Spurs have set about bolstering their squad ahead of the new season. Loan moves for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have been made permanent, while a hefty £55million fee has been splashed on Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

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But the Tottenham hierarchy are not done there. Alongside their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White, which has been put on hold by a legal complaint from Nottingham Forest, the north Londoners have reportedly stepped up their interest in De Winter.

According to The i, Spurs have learned that £22m would likely be enough for Genoa to sanction a summer sale, and the Premier League outfit have progressed from registering their interest with De Winter's agent to holding discussions with the Serie A club themselves.

As a full Belgian international at 23 years old, and having impressed in Italy over the past two and a half seasons, Tottenham are not expected to get a free run.

The report adds that Bournemouth are also keen on De Winter as they scour the market for candidates to replace Dean Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid in June. And then there is Inter Milan, who are said to be 'further along' than Spurs in negotiations with Genoa and can offer the player an opportunity to stay in Italy.

Standing 6ft 3in tall with an ability to drive out from the back, De Winter has often been likened to Manchester City legend and four-time Premier League winner Kompany, and the youngster is understandably flattered by the comparisons.

He told The i earlier this year: "It’s a really big name, so I one day hope to be able to live up to him. You look at the other big names [who went from Belgium to the Premier League] and it is only right that they ended playing up in the best competitions.

"I just want to come as far as possible. It’s not that I say I have to play Premier League or I have to play Bundesliga, I just want the best, the best for myself. The Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world, so yes, I hear some nice things."

Morgan Gibbs-White has reportedly decided against boycotting Nottingham Forest training as he began his pre-season preparations this week. Tottenham are pushing to sign Gibbs-White, who is keen to leave the City Ground, but the 25-year-old is only willing to do so on good terms with his current employers.

Spurs looked nailed on to sign Gibbs-White last week when it emerged that the north London side were willing to meet his widely-reported £60million release clause. But Forest, who are determined to keep hold of their talisman, have fought back by alleging that Tottenham made an illegal approach to sign him.

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Forest fans may have feared Gibbs-White failing to report to the Nigel Doughty Academy for pre-season training. His absence could have ramped up the pressure on owner Evangelos Marinakis to sanction a move. Marinakis is reportedly prepared to spend 'significant sums of money' to prove Spurs were out of line in their attempt to sign Gibbs-White.

Despite the ongoing drama, various reports indicate that the player has linked up with his Forest team-mates as they look to get back up to speed in time for the new season.

It has been theorised that Gibbs-White would be within his rights to put forward a legal case against Forest for blocking his exit despite Spurs' willingness to meet his £60m release clause. But that seems unlikely given his desire to maintain a friendly relationship with those at the club.

Gibbs-White scored seven goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League last season, earning him admiring glances from Manchester City in the early stages of the summer window.

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Forest agreed a total package worth £42.5m to sign Gibbs-White from Wolves in 2022, with £25m paid up front and a further £17.5m made up of performance-related add-ons. And although the proposed Spurs move would see them turn a profit, City Ground chiefs want to retain the midfielder for an upcoming campaign in which the Tricky Trees will hope to compete in Europe.

After finishing seventh last term, Forest secured a place in the UEFA Conference League play-offs, with a two-legged qualification tie set to take place in late August. It remains to be seen whether Gibbs-White will be involved, or whether he will have joined up with new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank to become part of his new project in north London.

Manchester United could reportedly miss out on Bryan Mbeumo if Brentford strike a different deal with Tottenham or Newcastle. The Red Devils have been chasing Mbeumo for a number of weeks but are yet to settle on a transfer fee. They have already seen offers of £55million and £62.5m knocked back since the start of the window.

Mbeumo is eager to move to Old Trafford and personal terms are said to have been agreed in principle. However, the deal will hinge on whether United can find a breakthrough in talks at club level. It will also depend on the future of Yoane Wissa, who is reportedly the subject of interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

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Nottingham Forest saw a bid rejected earlier in the window, while Tottenham and Newcastle have also been linked with a potential move. If either of those clubs strike a deal to land Wissa, it could spell trouble for United's pursuit of Mbeumo.

Brentford are unwilling to sell both players, according to Sky Sports, meaning whichever club agrees to sign Mbeumo or Wissa would rule out the sale of the other. It effectively leaves United in a race to wrap up negotiations before it is too late.

It would be 'near impossible' to Brentford to let both forwards leave, given how important they have been over the last few seasons. The west Londoners have already lost Christian Norgaard to Arsenal, while manager Thomas Frank has joined Tottenham.

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Only time will tell how the situation plays out, with United still trying to land Mbeumo despite the lack of progress over a transfer fee. The player has reportedly informed Brentford chiefs that he only wants to join the Red Devils this summer.

However, there is a chance that he will stay at the Gtech Community Stadium if a fee cannot be agreed. Brentford sporting director Phil Giles recently said that Mbeumo would be happy to remain at the club in the event United fail to pay up.

"There is significant interest in Bryan," he told Sky Sports News earlier this summer. "I think it's been documented and publicised about his current preference.

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"I think, from what I understand, he's also if needs be happy to stay at Brentford next year as well. Let's see on that.

"I think our position is that he had an unbelievable season last year, we expected interest in him. If that deal is right, there is a deal to do. If it's not, he will stay. We've spoken to Bryan and it's not a given that he's going to depart this summer."

Mbeumo played in all 38 league games for Brentford last season, scoring 20 goals in the process. He is only under contract until next summer, meaning the Bees would risk losing him for nothing if they refuse to sell over the coming weeks, but they do have the option to extend his deal by another year.

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Thomas Frank barely had time to get his feet in the door at Tottenham before speculation over their summer transfer plans ramped up. Spurs now have excess funds to spend after their lucrative Europa League final win, which has meant automatic qualification for the Champions League.

However, despite the European triumph under Ange Postecoglou, the club can ill-afford to repeat the domestic form they displayed in 2024/25. They finished 17th in the league, their worst-ever Premier League campaign. So, the Danish boss has ample work to do on the training field as well as in the transfer market.

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Express Sport looks at the priorities for Tottenham before they host Newcastle on August 3…

Fire up forward ranks with double signing

Under Daniel Levy, Spurs fans have long become accustomed to being linked with big-money signings before baulking on a potential deal. However, if the club is to seriously compete in England and in Europe this season, they cannot afford to let two current targets escape them.

They are reportedly closing on a £55million deal for West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus and are also pursuing Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. A reunion with Frank is likely to cost a further £50m, but the pair would significantly boost Tottenham’s attacking threat.

Supporters are unlikely to stand for a failure to land both men, or worse still, neither.

Keep Cristian Romero

Equally important as Brennan Johnson's scruffy, deflected finish that secured Tottenham European glory in Bilbao was Cristian Romero's performance at the back. Despite his campaign being hampered by injury, the 27-year-old is now being linked with Real and Atletico Madrid.

Keeping the World Cup winner could prove every bit as critical as Tottenham getting new signings in. With him, they look like a more solid, stable unit. Lose him, and more defensive woes await.

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Release Richarlison

The Brazilian international has shown flashes of his ability since signing from Everton for £51m three years ago, but has struggled for consistent form and fitness. The permanent signing of Mathys Tel and the seemingly imminent arrivals of Kudus and Wissa give the club the ideal chance to cash in on the 28-year-old while he still has two years left on his contract.

Tweak the tactics

For all the thrills, spills, and excitement under Postecoglou, even his most loyal backers cannot deny that his style of piling forward at 100 miles per hour left his side wide open too often. It also arguably contributed to a crippling injury list that the Australian regularly cited when results were flailing.

Regardless of the personnel, Frank must use the summer to form a stronger, more adaptable unit. Otherwise, the prospect of challenging at the top end of the league looks remote.