EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur are frustrated in their pursuit for Nottingham Forest Star Morgan Gibbs-White
Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly frustrated in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White after the creative midfielder performed a dramatic U-turn on his transfer intentions, GiveMeSport sources reveal.
Initially leaning towards a move to Premier League champions Manchester City following interest from Pep Guardiola, Gibbs-White has now shifted his focus and made Tottenham his preferred destination. Despite this development, Spurs have found themselves locked in a complex transfer standoff, one that is becoming more tangled by the day — with potential legal consequences looming.
Spurs’ Pursuit Blocked as Forest Threatens Legal Action
Tottenham’s bid to land the 25-year-old midfielder has hit significant roadblocks. Nottingham Forest are accusing Spurs and Gibbs-White’s representatives of breaching confidentiality and potentially violating tampering regulations after the player’s £60 million release clause was reportedly triggered. Sources suggest Forest’s legal team is exploring action over what they consider an unlawful approach, adding more friction to already strained negotiations.
Forest’s leadership is said to be furious over the matter, especially as the club had hoped to steer Gibbs-White toward Manchester City, believing a deal with the Etihad outfit would be less contentious. However, the player himself remains firmly committed to joining Tottenham, citing a strong connection with Spurs’ new head coach Thomas Frank, who personally laid out his vision for the player’s role at Hotspur Way.
Tottenham Remain Eager Despite Stalemate
Despite the obstacles, Tottenham are still working behind the scenes to push a deal through. Club chairman Daniel Levy has already backed Thomas Frank with significant transfer funding, including £55 million spent to acquire Mohammed Kudus from West Ham. The north London club remains intent on reinforcing their attacking options ahead of a campaign that promises to be their most ambitious in years.
Fresh from ending a 17-year trophy drought with Europa League glory in May, Spurs are determined to mount a serious challenge across multiple fronts in the 2025/26 season. With Champions League football secured, Frank has been empowered to build a team capable of not just competing, but winning consistently — and he views Gibbs-White as a crucial component of that vision.
Gibbs-White Swayed by Frank’s Plan for Spurs
Gibbs-White has reportedly been deeply impressed by the role Spurs envision for him, particularly under the guidance of Thomas Frank. The former Brentford boss is believed to have outlined a tailored creative role for the England international, giving him the freedom to orchestrate play and thrive in the final third — something he may not be guaranteed at star-studded Manchester City.
The midfielder played a pivotal role for Forest during the 2024/25 campaign, helping them secure European qualification — an achievement few predicted at the start of the season. However, despite his heroics, Gibbs-White is ready for a fresh challenge, one that places him in the spotlight and boosts his hopes of being part of England’s 2026 World Cup squad.
Forest Dig In, Spurs Grow Impatient
While Gibbs-White is now prioritising a move to Tottenham, Nottingham Forest remain reluctant to sell him to a direct domestic rival, especially amid accusations of improper conduct. The club’s preference is still for him to move to Manchester City, where they feel negotiations can proceed more cleanly. Nevertheless, City’s own interest appears to have cooled — especially with other targets on their radar.
To further complicate matters, Gibbs-White did not travel with Forest’s squad for their pre-season tour, though the club insists this is due to a personal matter unrelated to the transfer saga. Still, the uncertainty surrounding his future has become a major distraction, with all parties growing increasingly agitated.
Forest’s reluctance to resolve the situation quickly is also beginning to affect their own recruitment efforts. The drawn-out saga is reportedly hampering their ability to attract marquee signings, with the club wary of financial instability and regulatory scrutiny amid Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rule (PSR) constraints.
Contract Clock Ticking
Gibbs-White is now into the final two years of his contract, which sees him earn £80,000 per week. Forest had hoped to tie him down to an extension, but with the player’s head turned by Tottenham’s interest, negotiations have stalled. His current deal leaves suitors like Spurs believing they have leverage, particularly if the situation drags closer to the January window.
What’s Next?
As it stands, Spurs remain determined, Gibbs-White is still keen to make the switch, and Forest are digging in. A breakthrough seems possible, but legal threats and strained relationships are clouding what should have been a straightforward top-tier transfer.
Unless a compromise is found soon, this high-profile saga may continue to overshadow Forest’s pre-season and Spurs’ preparations — leaving Morgan Gibbs-White caught in the middle of a tug-of-war between two Premier League forces.