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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.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been dealt a welcome transfer boost ahead of the 2025/26 season, as one big-name player is reportedly open to penning a new deal. The ex-Brentford boss has been ushered in to replace Ange Postecoglou at the north London outfit, who was sacked after winning the Europa League last season.

Frank and co. have wasted no time in getting transfer deals across the line, with Mohammed Kudus having been signed from London rivals West Ham United. It comes after Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso’s loan moves were made permanent, with Spurs also chasing after a new midfielder.

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However, one of the club’s biggest transfer successes this summer could come in the form of keeping hold of Cristian Romero. The centre-back, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, had been linked to an exit, with Atletico Madrid mooted as a potential target.

That’s according to The Athletic, who claim Spurs’ intention to give Romero a new contract could be crucial in the Argentine’s decision to stick around. Romero’s current deal at Tottenham is set to expire in the summer of 2027, but the Lilywhites are pushing to secure his services way beyond that date.

Read more... Bryan Mbeumo drops fresh Man Utd tease as Brentford star waits for transfer

Elsewhere, Spurs’ Morgan Gibbs-White pursuit was dealt an unwanted blow when the Europa League winners were accused of making an “illegal approach” by Nottingham Forest. It was reported yesterday that Spurs were closing in on a £60million move for the Englishman, with a medical expected to be completed before the end of the week.

The deal is now in jeopardy following the Forest claim, with suggestions that the East Midlands-based outfit could even consider legal action. A complaint to the Premier League is expected to be sent, meanwhile Spurs have been left none the wiser as to Forest’s current stance.

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Spurs were said to have triggered the 25-year-old’s release clause, after they moved quickly to agree terms with the player. Gibbs-White, who was also heavily linked with a move to Manchester City earlier in the window, was key to Forest finishing seventh in the Premier League last season.

The move to Spurs is considered to be dead at this stage, but there is a possibility it could be revived later in the window. Tottenham have just over a month until their opening Premier League match, whereas transfer business can be conducted up until the September 1 deadline.

It was a blink and you miss it transfer saga, or at least that’s what it looked like. No sooner had Tottenham’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White been reported, there were rumours that a £60million fee had been agreed, with the midfielder said to have been London-bound for a medical.

However, plans for the capital club to sign Gibbs-White appear to be stunted after Nottingham Forest claimed Tottenham made an “illegal approach”. It’s suggested Forest could even consider legal action, with the Gibbs-White transfer having been thrown into jeopardy. But if Spurs are forced to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements this summer, Express Sport have detailed three alternative options they could target.

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Ederson - Atalanta

Depending on what sort of midfield profile new boss Thomas Frank is after, Spurs could look to reignite interest in a former transfer target. Ederson, currently plying his trade at Serie A outfit Atalanta, was previously linked to the north London outfit, among other Premier League outfits. The 26-year-old is certainly more defensively minded than Gibbs-White, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t also versatile. Capable of playing as a lone anchor, Ederson also has the ability to operate in a midfield three as more of a box-to-box type.

Read more... Nottingham Forest accuse Spurs of 'illegal approach' as Gibbs-White talks off

James McAtee - Manchester City

Or why not just go and snag the player Forest were lining up as their Gibbs-White replacement instead? Having been starved of minutes last season, James McAtee is expected to leave Manchester City this summer, with the Blues said to be after a fee in the region of £40m. McAtee, who captained England’s under-21s to European Championship victory just a couple of weeks ago, is certainly on the more attacking end of the midfield spectrum, but with his best years ahead of him, it could be worth a punt. As was the case with Cole Palmer, City have proven in the past they aren’t afraid to sell to Premier League rivals, should the price be right.

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Exequiel Palacios - Bayer Leverkusen

And finally, an industrial midfielder who has spent the last couple of years being coached by one of the game’s greats. Exequiel Palacios played a crucial role in Xabi Alonso’s success at Bayer Leverkusen, but much like the ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid ace, is being tipped to leave the Bundesliga outfit. Palacios can operate in several roles across the midfield and in some ways is similar to the sort of profile Gibbs-White would’ve added to their squad.

Tottenham are close to landing a truly special talent – at least according to Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden. Spurs look to have finalised a £60million deal to sign Nottingham Forest's midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who had been heavily tipped for a move to Manchester City earlier this year. The 25-year-old is on course to become Tottenham's second marquee arrival this week, following their £55m acquisition of Mohammed Kudus.

However, on Friday, the transfer was thrown into doubt following reports that Forest are considering legal action, alleging that Spurs' approach for Gibbs-White was improper. The midfielder had been preparing for his medical, but the move now seems to be paused, at least for the time being. Since making the switch from Wolves to Forest in 2022, Gibbs-White has become an indispensable part of the team, playing a central role in their impressive climb up the league last season. That campaign saw Forest hold a Champions League qualification spot for over half the season, and his standout displays didn't go unnoticed. Back in March, City manager Guardiola called him "exceptional," a view echoed by Foden.

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Following a brilliant performance in the 2023 U21 European Championship semi-final, where Gibbs-White netted a goal and earned man of the match honours versus Israel, Foden commented "what a player" on the midfielder's Instagram post celebrating the victory.

Praise like that from high-profile names highlights just how highly Gibbs-White is regarded and is sure to excite Spurs supporters. He had previously been on City's radar before they opted to focus on Rayan Cherki earlier in the window.

With Spurs now believed to have met his release clause - pending a possible legal challenge - Gibbs-White will become their fifth major recruit of the summer once the deal is sealed, pushing the club's total transfer outlay beyond £180m. He joins Kudus, Luka Vuskovic, and Kota Takai through the door, as well as Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso, whose loans from last season are now permanent.

This wave of signings reflects a clear commitment to support incoming manager Thomas Frank and to avoid a repeat of last year's disappointing league showing. Spurs ended a woeful campaign in 17th, plagued by a relentless injury list.

Though they managed to salvage the season with a memorable Europa League win – which clinched Champions League football – it wasn't enough to keep Ange Postecoglou in the job. Their aggressive early recruitment points to a club eager to compete at the top again and build a squad with the depth and durability to handle the demands of an action-packed season.

Next year will mark their first return to Champions League action since the 2022/23 season, and with increased competition in the top half of the Premier League, Spurs are acting swiftly to seize the moment and reclaim a place among the country's elite.

As for Nottingham Forest, Gibbs-White's potential exit emphasises how critical qualifying for the Champions League would have been. The club have already sanctioned the £55m departure of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, and losing Gibbs-White in the same window is a major blow, with both stars joining clubs set to compete in Europe's premier club tournament next season.

Both players were crucial to Forest's recent strong run of form, and their exits will leave noticeable gaps as the new season approaches. Elanga recorded 11 Premier League assists in 2024/25 – bettered only by Mohamed Salah and Jacob Murphy, his soon-to-be Newcastle team-mate – and also scored six times.

Gibbs-White contributed seven goals and eight assists during the same campaign. Combined, the two were responsible for a large portion of Forest's attacking output, with only Chris Wood involved in more goals (20 goals, three assists).

At Tottenham, Gibbs-White will be competing for minutes in a stacked midfield that boasts Kudus, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Matar Sarr. The competition is intense – but given his trajectory, Gibbs-White won't just be fighting for inclusion – he'll be looking to claim a starting role.

The summer transfer window is ramping up as clubs across England and Europe pursue big-money deals. Tottenham are making major statements ahead of their Champions League bid next season, and after announcing the £55million signing of Mohamed Kudus, they are on the verge of sealing a deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool are still chasing big names, though. The Gunners are struggling to get their move for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres over the line, while United have had three bids for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo rejected. The Reds continue to be linked with Newcastle star Alexander Isak, with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi also a target.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly accused Tottenham of an 'illegal approach' in a chaotic twist to Morgan Gibbs-White's future. It had been claimed that Spurs had triggered a £60million release clause in the England midfielder's contract and had planned his medical for today.

But the deal could now be ditched with wide-ranging reports claiming that Forest are now considering legal action over what they believe is an 'illegal' approach for their player. The Midlands club are said to have been unaware about an approach for their key man.

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Tottenham Hotspur could get one over on Manchester United and Ruben Amorim after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo. United are still attempting to sign the Brentford forward, who has made it clear he favours a move to United over Spurs.

The Europa League winners did hold an interest in Mbeumo, who played under new Spurs boss Thomas Frank at Brentford, but have moved on to other targets. They have struck a £55million deal for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus - another player previously linked with United - who is set for a medical at the club on Thursday. Now, Spurs are close to signing Morgan Gibbs-White after triggering the Nottingham Forest playmaker’s £60million release clause. Frank is believed to be a long-term admirer of the 25-year-old, who Forest signed from Wolves for £42.5m in 2022.

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With United having at least two bids rejected by Brentford for Mbeumo, Amorim may see Gibbs-White joining Spurs as a bitter blow, as the Portuguese coach is said to be a big fan of the player. United were linked with Gibbs-White earlier this year, with former Red Devils chief scout Mick Brown revealing Amorim’s interest.

Brown told Football Insider in March: “Man United have been looking at Morgan Gibbs-White. He’s a player who is highly mobile, works very hard, and has this sort of dynamism to his game.

“That’s something Ruben Amorim likes and needs in the system he wants to play. I’m told Amorim is a big fan of Gibbs-White from what he’s seen.

“He’s spoken before about Mason Mount, who’s been injured, but is not too dissimilar to Gibbs-White in terms of the role they would play. I think that’s a move United will be interested in if they can tempt him to leave Forest.

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“Whether they’d be able to get it done, because of their financial situation, is unclear. Nottingham Forest won’t let Gibbs-White go cheaply. It will be a huge fee to tempt them into selling.”

United’s interest in Gibbs-White appears to have cooled as they chase other attacking targets. After snaring Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5m, they remain locked in talks over Mbeumo with Brentford, who continue to hold firm over their valuation.

It has even been suggested that the Bees feel they have undervalued the player after Forest accepted a £55m offer for Anthony Elanga, while Chelsea forward Noni Madueke appears to be Arsenal-bound for more than £50m.

Given Mbeumo netted 20 times in the Premier League last season, Brentford suspect their current £63m valuation may be too low, as per the Evening Standard. That potentially spells bad news for United, who are desperate to revamp their squad while remaining within PSR limits.

Tottenham have officially announced the signing of Mohammed Kudus in a £55million deal from West Ham United. The 24-year-old Ghanaian international has signed a long-term contract, making the move across London from the Hammers.

Despite interest from numerous other clubs this summer, Kudus was determined to join Spurs and will now link up with new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank and his team. He becomes the Danish manager's third summer signing following the £5m capture of 20-year-old Japanese international centre-back Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale earlier this week.

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This came after Mathys Tel's loan stint from Bayern Munich was made permanent for £29.8m. Kevin Danso's loan from Lens had already been converted into a permanent £21m transfer due to an obligation agreed upon prior to Frank's arrival. Meanwhile, 18-year-old centre-back Luka Vuskovic finally arrived two years after Spurs signed him from Hajduk Split, following loan spells in Belgium and Poland.

Joining the north London club with 80 appearances and 32 goal contributions for West Ham under his belt, the Ghanaian forward originally hails from Ajax where he contributed to 39 goals in 87 matches. With a wealth of experience scoring in both the Champions League and Europa League, his skills will be invaluable this season as Spurs make their return to Europe's premier club competition.

Kudus' preferred position is on the right wing, but he's versatile enough to play across all attacking positions, including as a striker or just behind one. His first season in the Premier League was impressive following his transfer from the Eredivisie, but he found it challenging to replicate those numbers last season.

This was due to new manager Graham Potter implementing a wing-back system that left less space for Kudus to excel away from his favoured right-wing role.

At Tottenham, Kudus will be competing for a spot on the right wing against players like Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski, with Wilson Odobert, Tel, Mikey Moore and captain Son Heung-min all capable of playing down that side as well.

Last season, Kudus had both triumphs and setbacks against his new club, scoring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October before being sent off late in a match during a scuffle. Now, he'll be aiming to familiarise himself with those same Spurs players he previously clashed with, this time as team-mates.