Report: Tottenham now eyeing move to sign £25m ‘magician’ after Gibbs-White snub
Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly shifted their focus to securing the signature of Leicester City midfielder Bilal El Khannouss after their pursuit of Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White fell through, according to a fresh update from TBR Football.
Under newly appointed head coach Thomas Frank, Spurs have had a relatively modest transfer window thus far. The club has welcomed young Japanese centre-back Kota Takai and Ghanaian attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus as part of their efforts to reshape the squad. However, one of their key targets — Morgan Gibbs-White — has now slipped through their fingers. The playmaker had been on the verge of a move to North London, with initial reports suggesting that personal terms had been agreed. Unfortunately for Tottenham, a legal complication triggered by Nottingham Forest disrupted the move. In a dramatic twist, Gibbs-White has since committed his future to Forest by signing a contract extension at the City Ground, officially ending Tottenham’s hopes of bringing him to North London.
With that door closed, attention has quickly turned to alternative creative options, and El Khannouss now appears to be a top target. The 21-year-old Moroccan international caught the eye during his debut season in the Premier League with Leicester City. Despite the Foxes suffering relegation to the Championship, El Khannouss emerged as a shining light in their campaign, consistently delivering standout performances. His flair, vision, and ability to dictate play in the final third have earned him the nickname “magician” from renowned football scout Jacek Kulig, highlighting the high regard in which he is held.
Spurs are reportedly one of several clubs monitoring the talented midfielder, with his value estimated at around £25 million — a fee that falls comfortably within Tottenham’s current transfer budget. However, the club is expected to face strong competition for his signature. Newcastle United are believed to have a keen interest in the player, while Crystal Palace are also reportedly weighing up a move. According to Sky Sports, Palace have identified El Khannouss as a potential replacement for Eberechi Eze, who continues to attract interest from top Premier League sides and could leave Selhurst Park before the window closes.
Tottenham’s renewed interest in El Khannouss comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen their midfield ranks, an area that has been flagged as a priority by Thomas Frank. Alongside the Moroccan, the club is also pursuing other midfield reinforcements, with Fulham’s Joao Palhinha emerging as a leading target. The Portuguese international has been admired for his physical presence, composure in possession, and tenacity — qualities that would complement Tottenham’s evolving style under Frank.
Meanwhile, changes could also be on the horizon in the attacking department. Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son, a club legend and long-serving star, is reportedly edging closer to a sensational permanent move to Major League Soccer side LAFC. According to GMS, talks have progressed significantly, and a deal could be finalized in the coming weeks. If completed, the departure of Son would mark the end of an era at Tottenham, while also potentially freeing up further funds for reinvestment into new talent.
As the transfer window enters its decisive phase, Spurs are expected to remain active, with multiple positions still being assessed for upgrades. While Thomas Frank is yet to make a blockbuster signing, the potential arrival of El Khannouss — coupled with ongoing negotiations for Palhinha — signals the club’s intent to reshape the squad with a blend of youth, creativity, and experience to challenge for a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football.