JUST IN: O’Rourke shares big update on Gibbs-White joining Tottenham – ‘I fully expect…’
Tottenham Expected to Seal Morgan Gibbs-White Deal Despite Nottingham Forest Legal Threats
Tottenham Hotspur remain confident of securing the signing of Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest, despite recent turbulence surrounding the deal and legal threats from Forest over an alleged improper approach.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke provided fresh insight into the unfolding situation. According to his sources, Spurs are still seen as frontrunners to land the 25-year-old attacking midfielder, even though Forest have taken drastic steps to halt the move — including accusations of an illegal approach and the threat of legal action.
Gibbs-White had reportedly agreed personal terms with Spurs and was scheduled to undergo a medical at the club’s Hotspur Way training facility last week. All seemed on course for the transfer to be finalised quickly. However, Forest intervened at the eleventh hour, claiming that no formal permission had been granted for Tottenham to open talks with their player. As a result, the move was abruptly paused.
In response, Forest insisted that Spurs acted improperly and warned they were prepared to escalate the matter legally if necessary. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo and the Forest hierarchy view the negotiations as being in breach of protocol, and for now, they consider the deal dead in the water.
However, according to O’Rourke and others close to the situation, Tottenham’s interest in Gibbs-White has not cooled. In fact, there is an increasing sense behind the scenes that Forest’s protests are unlikely to permanently derail the deal, and that a resolution is simply a matter of time. O’Rourke described the entire episode as “messy,” highlighting the uncertainty that has clouded what initially appeared to be a straightforward transfer.
Despite the disruption, sources close to the club remain optimistic that Tottenham will eventually reach an agreement with Forest, allowing the transfer to go ahead before the window closes. The player himself is reportedly still keen on the move, having been convinced by Spurs’ project under new head coach Thomas Frank and the prospect of playing European football.
Tottenham’s interest in Gibbs-White is understood to have intensified in recent weeks, even overtaking Manchester City — who had previously been in advanced discussions to sign the England international. Although City had agreed basic terms, Spurs ultimately surged ahead in the race, offering a more immediate path to first-team football and a leading role in their attacking midfield.
Forest, for their part, have remained reluctant sellers throughout the summer, aware of the significant contribution Gibbs-White has made since arriving from Wolves. But financial pressures and the player’s own willingness to make the move may eventually leave them with little choice but to negotiate.
O’Rourke remains convinced a deal will be struck, telling Football Insider:
> “I fully expect Morgan Gibbs-White to make the move to Tottenham.
If the Isak and Ekitike situations are complicated, this Gibbs-White one is messy. Spurs had held talks, were prepared to activate the £60million release clause, and the player was ready to sign. He was due for a medical just last week before Forest intervened.
They’re clearly trying to delay proceedings, but I believe the transfer will go through eventually — it’s just a matter of agreeing terms that will satisfy both clubs and end these public protests.”
Spurs Also Targeting Harvey Elliott Amid Midfield Revamp
While the Morgan Gibbs-White saga continues, Tottenham are reportedly exploring additional options to bolster their creative ranks. According to Football Insider, Spurs have now joined the race to sign Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, a talented English playmaker who could complement or provide an alternative to Gibbs-White.
Former Spurs scout Mick Brown revealed that Tottenham have expressed strong interest in Elliott, who is reportedly unsettled at Liverpool due to limited game time. This follows earlier reports from March indicating that the 21-year-old is considering a move away from Anfield in pursuit of more consistent first-team opportunities.
Elliott’s potential availability has attracted significant attention. Alongside Spurs, clubs such as Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Fulham, and multiple teams from Germany’s Bundesliga are all closely monitoring his situation.
Tottenham’s pursuit of both Gibbs-White and Elliott reflects a clear ambition to reshape their midfield with young, dynamic English talents as they aim to become serious contenders under Thomas Frank. With the summer transfer window still open and Spurs showing no signs of slowing down, fans can expect more developments — and possibly more drama — in the weeks ahead.