FootballFanCast

What Tottenham face if they're found guilty of 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach

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Tottenham remain optimistic of completing a deal for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, despite Nuno Espirito Santo's side now adopting a 'not for sale' stance, and the situation is becoming more complex by the day.

Forest are threatening both Spurs and the player's agent with legal action following what they believe was an 'illegal approach' for their playmaker (Rob Dorsett), with the dispute surrounding a 'breach in confidentiality' after the Lilywhites triggered his £60 million release clause.

"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," wrote Dorsett, who originally broke this story, in an article for Sky.

"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.

"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."

Gibbs-White was scheduled to have a medical at Hotspur Way on Friday after a round of quick-fire talks, and the 25-year-old looked nailed on to become Tottenham's fourth signing of the summer after Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.

There is an expectation from some that Tottenham will eventually sign Gibbs-White regardless and Forest may eventually have to stand aside. However, the transfer now looks set to be dragged out as a result of Forest's legal claim.

Taking into account the rules which Thomas Frank's side are alleged to have broken, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has explained what could happen if Spurs are found guilty, or if the Premier League do indeed to choose to investigate.

The punishments Tottenham face if found guilty of 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach

Crook shared that Tottenham could face two potential punishments over the 'illegal' Gibbs-White approach.

It is believed that Spurs may face a fine or even a transfer ban if it is discovered that they've violated the rules, but top flight chiefs are yet to decide if they will even investigate Forest's pleas.

In the meantime, Gibbs-White has returned to Forest training, holding 'showdown talks' with the club as their ongoing battle with Tottenham continues. Crook reiterates that there is still hope an agreement will be reached, so the former Wolves star's switch to N17 is by no means off the table.

Gibbs-White was a key player under Nuno last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone during Forest's chase for a Champions League spot, which they agonisingly fell short of on the final day.

Frank identifies £100m target in "ambitious" next Tottenham transfer swoop

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Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is reported to be a real admirer of another England international, who's made his way on to the Dane's summer transfer shortlist amid all the drama surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White's potential move to north London.

Spurs are ready to back Frank with more new signings before deadline day on September 1, after already sealing deals for Mohammed Kudus, Kota Takai and Mathys Tel for a combined fee of around £90 million.

After a round of quick-fire talks late last week, Tottenham were ready to trigger the 25-year-old's £60 million release clause, and his transfer to N17 was so advanced that Spurs booked medical tests for Gibbs-White on Friday.

However, in a stunning twist, Forest then unexpectedly blocked his move, amid a complaint to the Premier League, with Evangelos Marinakis and co believing Tottenham tapped up Gibbs-White and obtained knowledge of his release clause illegally (Ben Jacobs).

Now, Forest are adamant that Gibbs-White isn't going anywhere (Sky Sports), but Spurs still remain hopeful of eventually getting a deal done.

As Frank waits for further clarification on whether the Lilywhites can indeed get Gibbs-White over the line, with Forest digging their heels in, reports suggest that Tottenham also want to add a new traditional central midfielder to their ranks.

Thomas Frank wants to sign Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton

According to GiveMeSport, a 'leading target' for Frank in that position is Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton.

The England international's 2024 performances earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate's Three Lions squad for the Euros, and even though his latest campaign was hampered somewhat by injury, Wharton is still regarded as one of the country's best rising stars.

GMS reports that Frank has personally identified Wharton as a potential Tottenham signing, and what's more, they might not be deterred by the 21-year-old's seismic £100 million price tag.

Palace are using Declan Rice's £105 million move to Arsenal in 2023 as a yardstick for Wharton's valuation, as they hold the player in similar regard, but this hasn't completely turned Spurs away. They could yet still open talks for the ex-Blackburn Rovers starlet in an "ambitious" move, even if Daniel Levy would have to completely shatter Tottenham's transfer record.

Bigger talent than Gibbs-White: Spurs to hold talks over signing £40m star

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Thomas Frank is undoubtedly set to enter the biggest campaign of his managerial career in 2025/26, as he takes the reins as Tottenham Hotspur manager.

The Dane may have led Brentford into the Premier League, but he will undoubtedly be under a whole new pressure given the expectations of the supporters in North London.

Success in the Europa League will only have increased the demands put on his shoulders, with the 51-year-old brought in to replace Ange Postecoglou during the off-season.

A European triumph is one thing, but given the Aussie’s dismissal, it’s clear owner Daniel Levy wants the club to be as competitive as possible in England’s top flight.

If the new boss wants to make an immediate impact in North London, he will ultimately be relying on new additions to achieve the desired effect, leading to numerous names appearing on their shortlist.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Morgan Gibbs-White’s transfer saga is one that could drag on throughout the summer transfer window, with no end in sight for his move to Spurs despite triggering his £60m release clause.

However, after Nottingham Forest threatened legal action for an illegal approach, it remains to be seen whether a deal will get completed during the current window.

Other targets are now being drawn up as a result, with Liverpool star Harvey Elliott now on their radar as an option, according to Football Insider’s latest report.

They claim that the Lilywhites are set to enter talks with the 22-year-old’s representatives, with the forward wanting a move away from Anfield to further his career after making just two league starts last campaign.

It also states that Newcastle United remain as another side in the race for his signature, leading to a £40m price tag being mooted for his signature as a result.

Why Spurs’ £40m target is a bigger talent than Gibbs-White

After seemingly having a deal pushed in the right direction, it would be a disappointment to miss out on a deal for the England international this summer.

His tally of seven goals and eight assists in England’s top flight last campaign are evidence of the talents he possesses, with such a record undoubtedly aiding Frank’s quest for success.

It remains unclear whether he would be open to a move to join the Lilywhites this summer, but he would be a superb addition, whilst also having the potential to improve further, given he’s just 25 years of age.

£60m would be a superb price tag, as seen by the Reds’ displeasure over them activating his release clause, but they may be better off making a move for another attacking talent.

Elliott may prove to be a bigger talent, given he’s three years younger than his compatriot, whilst also producing various better stats in the Premier League last campaign.

The Liverpool star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Jonathan Higgins, registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third per 90 - having the capability to create opportunities for those around him.

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted in 2024/25, whilst registering more progressive carries into the final third per 90 - highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Elliott’s dominance doesn’t end there, matching the same goal per shot on target rate as Gibbs-White, subsequently handing Frank the added threat he desires in the final third.

Given the difference in fee and stats, it’s clear that Elliott would be a phenomenal addition for the Lilywhites, arguably allowing them to forget about the Forest star in the process.

It still remains unclear whether a deal can be completed for the Reds' talent, but they can avoid the whole process if they decide to make a move for the Liverpool gem in the coming weeks.

Frank's answer to Isak: Spurs stepping up move for "unbelievable" £50m CF

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Frank's answer to Isak: Spurs stepping up move for "unbelievable" £50m CF - FootballFanCast
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Ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, excitement is building at Tottenham Hotspur and understandably so given the success endured at the back end of last season.

The Lilywhites’ claimed the Europa League title with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao back in May, ending their 17-year wait for any form of silverware.

However, their attempts to build on their triumph now fall into the hands of Thomas Frank after the Dane took the reins from Ange Postecoglou last month.

He’s already wasted no time in improving his squad in North London, landing the signature of Mohammed Kudus in a £55m deal from rivals West Ham United.

Despite the big-money arrival, numerous other players remain on their radar ahead of the window, as the new boss looks to make the changes he desires to his first-team squad.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who’s been a key target for Spurs in recent weeks, even triggering the £60m release clause within his contract at Nottingham Forest.

However, the deal has taken a turn, after the Reds threatened legal action, after it was alleged that Frank’s side made an illegal approach for his signature.

He’s not the only player who’s appeared on their radar over the last couple of days, with Brentford star Yoane Wissa linked with a reunion with his former boss, according to Football Insider.

They claim that, despite not yet registering a bid for his services, the Lilywhites are stepping up their interest in the DR Congo international, who registered 19 league goals last season.

It also states that the Bees are currently demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer, as they desperately want to keep hold of their star man.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be Frank’s answer to Isak

Alexander Isak is a player who has constantly tormented the backlines of multiple sides in the Premier League over recent seasons, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the division’s best.

The Swede has registered 62 goals in his 109 appearances for the Magpies, 27 of which came in the most recent campaign, which saw him finish as the league’s second top scorer.

During his time in England, the 25-year-old has scored six times in just five appearances against Spurs, offering a constant threat to the Lilywhites’ backline, with all supporters undoubtedly wishing they had a player of his calibre.

However, talents like Isak don’t come around very often, and when they do, they cost a pretty penny, potentially demanding a figure that would be outside of Spurs’ ballpark.

A move for the Swede is unrealistic this window, but the club could land their own version of the talisman this summer with a move for Wissa.

The Brentford star is labelled as a similar player to the Magpies star by FBref, even outperforming him in numerous key areas during the 2024/25 campaign.

Wissa, who’s been labelled one of “the best strikers in the Premier League” by Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, demonstrated exactly why by registering a higher shot on target accuracy rate.

Hailed for his "unbelievable" quality by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, he also completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst making more passes into the final third per 90, handing the likes of Kudus an opportunity to hit the ground running in North London.

The 28-year-old’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of aerials won, offering the side the needed focal point they could crave during Frank’s first season at the helm.

£50m may appear to be a mammoth fee for Wissa’s signature, but it’s one they could likely bring down given he only has one year left on his current deal.

However, if he joins the club and can replicate the levels he’s shown at Brentford, it would be a bargain deal and hand the side their own version of Newcastle star Isak.

"Unreal" player makes Tottenham or Inter transfer decision with terms agreed

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"Unreal" player makes Tottenham or Inter transfer decision with terms agreed - FootballFanCast
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Tottenham are battling Internazionale for the signing of a highly-rated player, according to reports, and the man in question has now decided which club he'd rather join this summer with personal terms agreed.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has overseen his first training sessions since replacing Ange Postecoglou as manager, with the Dane set to take charge of his first game this Saturday in a pre-season friendly against Reading.

Expectations around N17 are suddenly high after their triumph in the Europa League last season, and Frank is also braced for his debut managerial campaign in the Champions League.

The 51-year-old has never known pressure like this at his previous clubs, but chairman Daniel Levy is moving to back the tactician with an array of key signings to bolster his new squad.

Tottenham sealed a £55 million deal for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus last week, with the Ghanaian joining both Kota Takai (£5 million) and Mathys Tel (£30 million) to take their summer expenditure up to around £90 million.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White was meant to be added to this list of major incomings as well. The England international was scheduled to have a medical last Friday, but Forest have since blocked the transfer and are taking legal action against Spurs for an alleged illegal approach.

Reports suggested that Tottenham were still likely to sign Gibbs-White anyway. However, Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett, who originally broke the story, now shares another stunning twist - with Forest standing firm and adamant that he's "going nowhere".

Considering Spurs reportedly triggered his £60 million release clause, it remains to be seen if the Premier League will even allow Forest to halt Gibbs-White's switch to N17, but this is a very bizarre situation.

Koni de Winter decides whether he's joining Tottenham or Inter Milan

In the meantime, Tottenham do have other transfer targets, and one of them is versatile Genoa defender Koni de Winter.

The former Juventus starlet has been sporadically linked with a move to Frank's side before deadline day, and reports in Italy claim that Spurs are among the main contenders to sign de Winter.

According to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, via FC Inter News, the Nerazzurri are also competing for his signature, and he's decided which club he'd rather join.

It is believed that de Winter has expressed his preference to join Inter ahead of Tottenham, and there is already a "practically done" agreement over personal terms. A multi-year contract is "ready" for the 23-year-old to sign, but the Serie A side are yet to find an agreement with Genoa, who are asking for around £22 million.

£35m star has held talks to join Tottenham, but rivals are now ready to bid

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Tottenham Hotspur now face stiff competition from a rival Premier League side in the race for a "playmaker", according to a report, with Thomas Frank looking to reinforce his squad in a few key areas ahead of his first full season in charge.

Spurs have made a splash in the summer market already with their £55 million deal for winger Mohammed Kudus, which ended a 14-year unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and their London rivals.

Kudus has been pictured in Lilywhites training as the club prepare for their first pre-season game of the summer against Reading this weekend, with the Ghanaian joining Mathys Tel and Kota Takai as Daniel Levy's first three official signings of the summer.

In an ideal world, Kudus would've been joined at Hotspur Way by Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who was expected to undergo a medical last Friday before a £60 million switch from the City Ground.

However, in a very unexpected turn of events, the Englishman's transfer is being significantly delayed, with Forest taking legal action over what they believe was an illegal approach from Tottenham for their star attacker, as first reported by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

That being said, some confidence remains that Gibbs-White will eventually seal a move to Spurs (Alasdair Gold), so their potential £115 million double-swoop for the 25-year-old and Kudus is still alive.

Forest are complaining to the Premier League, with Nuno Espírito Santo's side raising concerns over how Spurs became aware of 'confidential details' in his contract (Standard Sport).

Interestingly, Forest are "adamant" that Gibbs-White is not for sale (Sky Sports), but Spurs are still hopeful of doing the deal.

As Spurs wait for the green-light to sign-off on Gibbs-White's transfer, they do have their eyes on other transfer targets, with Levy reportedly after a holding midfielder and a number six as well (TBR Football).

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported last week that Tottenham have held talks with £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz's representatives, and the Old Lady will allow him to leave Turin this summer after a lacklustre debut campaign in Serie A.

Everton threaten to hijack alleged Tottenham talks with Douglas Luiz

Now, according to Calciomercato, Spurs may not have a free run at signing the Brazilian, with Everton threatening a move of their own.

The Italian news outlet states that Everton are ready to bid for Luiz after his alleged talks with Tottenham, and the Toffees have initiated club-to-club discussions as they attempt to back manager David Moyes for his first full season back on Merseyside.

Juve want around £35 million to part company with Luiz, and will not entertain any form of loan, as Igor Tudor's side seek to sell him immediately and reinvest that money in their own summer recruitment drive.

Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, tipped him to kickstart his career at Juve earlier this year, but it appears the South American could seal a quick-fire return to England instead.

"He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player," said Monchi about Luiz to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve.

“He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive."

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

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Tottenham are an extremely attractive potential destination after their Europa League triumph last season, with the prospect of Champions League football and helping to usher in Thomas Frank's new era proving a real temptation.

Frank and Spurs are already 10 days into pre-season training, as they prepare for their first friendly matches of the summer against Reading this Saturday and Luton Town a week later.

The Lilywhites then travel to Hong Kong and South Korea for their Asia pre-season tour, where they'll be taking on north London rivals Arsenal in their first-ever derby match outside the UK on July 31, before facing off against Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.

Bayern Munich will come as their last warm-up game of the summer before the competitive action starts, with Spurs braced for a blockbuster UEFA Super Cup clash against fellow European champions PSG midway through August.

Whilst manager Frank assesses his new team on the pitch, chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange are set to remain at work on restructuring the squad ahead of what will be a crucial Premier League season.

Tottenham have already backed Frank with the signing of Mathys Tel on a £30 million permanent deal from Bayern Munich, a £5 million move for Japanese sensation Kota Takai and the signing of star winger Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

After Kudus, Spurs were also set to sign Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, who was meant to have a medical last Friday, but the potential £60 million transfer is now being held up.

Forest are taking legal action against Frank's side over what they perceive to be an illegal approach for the 25-year-old, which has seriously delayed his move down south, even though there remains an expectation that Gibbs-White will eventually seal his move to Spurs.

Those within Forest reportedly believe that they'll be forced to green-light the Englishman's transfer to Tottenham (Alasdair Gold), but for now, Spurs supporters are having to wait for further confirmation of their stunning £115 million Kudus and Gibbs-White double-deal.

Morgan Gibbs-White "clear" he wants to join Tottenham

Gibbs-White was a key attacking star at the City Ground last term, playing a major role in their qualification for Europe with seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League alone, but he's extremely keen to start a new chapter with Spurs.

As per TBR Football and journalist Graeme Bailey, Gibbs-White has informed Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis of his firm desire to join Tottenham - making his stance "clear" behind-the-scenes amid this delay.

The former Wolves star, who Forest signed for around £43m in 2022, was forced to return to training on Monday morning as he waits for his London move to go through.

Marinakis is said to be "furious" over how Tottenham knew about Gibbs-White's release clause, which is why Forest are complaining, but given it exists, there is little they can do to stop the player's exit.

Tottenham "contenders" to sign "unbelievable" defender set to cost £50m

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Tottenham Hotspur are "contenders" to sign an "unbelievable" defender who's now set to cost £50m, reporter Pete O'Rourke has revealed.

Spurs looking to bolster defensive options

Spurs completed the signing of West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus last week, with the Ghanaian arriving for a fee of £55m, while they also remain confident about sealing a deal for Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who said: "They want to proceed with the deal, they want to sign the player. Nottingham Forest are prepared to fight. So, let’s see what’s going to happen there.

"But, for sure, the Gibbs-White deal now has an issue to be solved between the two clubs. That’s going to be one to watch in the coming days and hours, with Tottenham still hopeful and confident to get the player."

Should Spurs get a deal for Forest star over the line, they may turn their attentions to bolstering their backline, given that they had the fifth-worst defensive record in the Premier League last season.

Speaking to Football Insider, O'Rourke has now dropped an update on one of the centre-back's Tottenham could target, Burnley's Maxime Esteve saying: "Everton showed a lot of interest in him as well, now Tottenham are being mentioned as contenders for a signature if he leaves Burnley this summer.

"Spurs did try to sign him in the January window when he was doing so well; Burnley don’t want to lose Esteve, and they’ve put a £50million price tag on his head.

"I don’t think Spurs would go near that level to try and sign Esteve, but Burnley are in a really strong position to negotiate here. He’s under contract until 2029 and they can demand a substantial fee because of his contract – that price tag will probably scare off most clubs."

"Unbelievable" Esteve could allay Spurs' defensive problems

At this stage, Burnley hold all the cards in the negotiations, but should the French defender push for a move this summer, there are clear signs that he could help allay Spurs' defensive problems.

Remarkably, the Clarets shipped just 16 goals in the Championship en-route to promotion last season, and the Frenchman played every single game, during which time he managed to impress manager Scott Parker.

Parker said: "First and foremost he’s a great kid and an unbelievable professional. Just his general aura about him and his humility about the boy and his professionalism, just everything about him is a top, top boy and of course you see his quality as well."

That said, £50m would be a huge fee to pay for a player yet to prove himself at Premier League level, and with Burnley in a strong negotiating position, it would not be a surprise if Tottenham decide to move on to other targets.

Spurs can forget Gibbs-White by signing "one of the best 10s in the world"

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While every season is a big one, next season feels especially important for Tottenham Hotspur.

The club are finally back in the Champions League thanks to Ange Postecoglou delivering on his promise of winning something in his second year.

However, while he'll enjoy the benefits of leading out a team in Europe's biggest competition, new boss Thomas Frank will be under pressure to improve the club's dire Premier League form that saw his predecessor get the sack.

Fortunately, Daniel Levy and the board are not hanging him out to dry this summer, having already spent £55m on Mohammed Kudus and working to bring Morgan Gibbs-White to N17 for his £60m release clause.

The Nottingham Forest star would be an excellent addition to the squad, but Spurs might be better off signing another attacking ace they've previously been linked with.

Why Spurs want Gibbs-White

While we think there might be a better option out there, it's easy to see why Spurs want to sign Gibbs-White this summer.

After all, not only does he have an abundance of experience in the Premier League, but he was also seriously effective for Forest last season.

For example, in 38 games across all competitions, totalling 3142 minutes, the 25-year-old ace scored seven goals and provided ten assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.23 games, or one every 184.82 minutes, and under the tutelage of the attack-minded Frank, you'd expect those numbers to improve in North London next season.

Another reason the Lilywhites might be keen to land the midfielder is that he's a homegrown star and has already won four caps for the Three Lions, which is always great for the marketability of a player and his own development.

Finally, at 25 years old, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers gem is neither past his peak nor someone who will need time to develop; instead, he's a prime age player who can come in and make an instant impact.

Yet, for everything there is to like about Gibbs-White, there is another international we reckon Spurs should sign instead: Xavi Simons.

Why Spurs should sign Xavi Simons over Gibbs-White

While it appears the club's attention is now on Gibbs-White, they have been linked with Simons several times this summer.

Moreover, with his reported price tag also being around £60m, switching their focus to him wouldn't incur additional costs.

With that said, why should they opt for the Ducthman over the Forest ace?

Well, the first argument comes down to their output from last season, as in his 33 games for RB Leipzig, totalling 2763 minutes, the Amsterdam-born ace, who one analyst has dubbed "one of the best 10s in the world," scored 11 goals and provided eight assists.

In other words, he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes, which is far better than what the Englishman could manage.

Moreover, the former PSV Eindhoven gem has more experience at the very highest level of the game, making 13 Champions League appearances thus far and playing a major role for the Netherlands at the last Euros.

Another key advantage the 22-year-old has is that he's more positionally versatile than the former Wolves star and is comfortable in the ten, off both wings and even up top.

Ultimately, both players would be brilliant additions to the side, but due to his significantly better output, experience beyond his years and the fact that he can comfortably play all over the pitch, we reckon Simons would be the better signing.

With all that said, Spurs would be clever to bring in both.

He's perfect for Kudus: Big-money Man City target wants to join Spurs

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What started as a rather miserable summer with the sacking of Ange Postecoglou has turned into what could be a brilliant one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Thomas Frank has a massive task ahead of him both domestically and on the continent next season, but Daniel Levy and Co appear intent on giving him what he needs.

After making the required signing of another young prospect in Japanese defender Kota Takai, the North Londoners made the massive £55m purchase of Mohammed Kudus.

The former West Ham United star is undoubtedly going to add something special to Frank's attack, and now the club appear likely to land another Premier League star who'd be his dream ten.

Tottenham Hotspur target Premier League stars

In an understandable bid to improve their terrible domestic form ahead of next season, Spurs have seemingly made a concrete effort to target players who did exceptionally well in the Premier League last season.

One of those is Yoane Wissa, who, according to reports, could be available for around £50m.

That might sound like a lot for a 38-year-old Brentford player, but with 20 goals and five assists to his name in 39 appearances last season, he'd be more than worth the outlay.

That said, being a centre-forward, he is obviously not the target who could be Kudus' dream ten; that tag goes to Morgan Gibbs-White.

Yes, in what is now turning into the latest transfer saga involving the North Londoners, a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Spurs have maintained their desire to sign the Nottingham Forest star.

The Italian journalist has claimed that, despite the Tricky Trees threatening legal action following the Lilywhites' activation of the Englishman's £60m release clause, the club remain confident that they will get their man.

That's undoubtedly due to the player's desire to make a move happen, with journalist Graeme Bailey also reporting that Gibbs-White has told Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis that he wishes to sign for Spurs. That's despite interest from Manchester City.

This deal would represent a serious financial commitment from the Europa League champions, but given Gibbs-White's form last season, it'd be one worth making, especially as he'd be a dream ten for Kudus.

Why Gibbs-White would be a dream ten for Kudus

While there are several reasons why Gibbs-White would be a dream number ten for Kudus, one of the most crucial is simply his output.

For example, in just 34 appearances last season, totalling 2824 minutes, the "exceptional" midfielder, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, scored seven goals and provided ten assists.

That means he averaged a goal involvement every other game, or one every 166.11 minutes, which is made all the more impressive by the fact that Forest only scored 58 goals in the league.

Just imagine then how many goals and assists the former Irons star could amass playing alongside someone that creative and effective.

Moreover, when we take a look at the 25-year-old's underlying numbers, we can see some of the ways in which he could get the ball up to his potential future teammate.

For example, FBref ranked him in the top 8% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes into the final third in the Premier League last season, and the top 9% for through balls, per 90, demonstrating exactly why some analysts believe that he is a "monster" in transitional phases of play.

Finally, it's easy to overlook the simple fact that the Stafford-born ace is already proven in the league, so there should be little need for a bedding-in period, and therefore, he could start providing chances for the Ghanaian international from day one.

Ultimately, it will be an expensive deal, but Spurs look to be onto a winner with Gibbs-White, especially in tandem with Kudus.