What has been said in Nottingham Forest dressing room amid Gibbs-White saga
Uncertainty over Morgan Gibbs-White’s future will not overshadow the attacker’s contribution to Nottingham Forest, according to Ola Aina.
The England international was close to a switch to the capital last week after Tottenham Hotspur triggered a £60 million release clause in his contract. The Reds were left angered by what they considered to be an illegal approach for their star man, but the north London side’s interest remains.
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Amid all the transfer noise, Gibbs-White played the first 45 minutes of Forest’s 0-0 draw with Monaco on Saturday. But he is said to be keen for his situation to be resolved one way or another before Nuno Espirito Santo’s side travel to Portugal on Monday for a training camp.
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The 25-year-old received a show of support from fans at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium, where the Reds’ second pre-season friendly of the summer took place. And Aina is certain there is no question over Gibbs-White’s Garibaldi legacy, whatever happens in the remainder of the transfer window.
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“Never. I don’t think it would be forgotten. He’s a terrific player and his football speaks for itself,” said the full-back.
“Of course I would (want him to stay). But I don’t know what’s going on. You’d have to ask Morgan.”
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Asked whether the dressing room might try to persuade the attacker regarding a decision over what happens next, Aina added: “We have a bit of banter about stuff like that! But it’s that person’s business.”
Gibbs-White received a loud cheer from the crowd when his name was read out prior to kick-off against Monaco. When he made his way off the pitch after warming down at half-time, he applauded the Forest fans and made a heart gesture as they chanted his name.
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The Reds have already lost winger Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United this summer. They have brought in Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha but losing another key player would be a blow, if Gibbs-White were to leave.
Forest signed Gibbs-White from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2022. He has two years remaining on his contract and reports have claimed he has been reluctant to consider putting pen to paper on a new one.
It has also been suggested Spurs are likely to try their luck with a fresh bid for the Reds’ prized asset. A figure of £65m has been mooted, although whether that would persuade Forest to sell is unknown.
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Morgan Gibbs-White to tell Nottingham Forest ‘I’m now leaving’ after Tottenham bid
Morgan Gibbs-White will need to tell Nottingham Forest he wants to leave to secure a move to Tottenham.
The England international is facing an uncertain future at the City Ground after the Tricky Trees claimed Spurs had obtained knowledge of the midfielder’s release clause immediately.
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This came after Tottenham triggered Gibbs-White’s buyout clause and looked set to sign the former Wolves man for £60m.
However, nine days on from Spurs’ offer, there have been no developments in the deal and all three sides seem to have reached an impasse, as the 25-year-old has not engaged with Forest’s attempts to negotiate a new contract [Sky Sports].
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Stefan Borson explained that whilst Tottenham had triggered the release clause, it now fell on Gibbs-White’s shoulders to “enforce” the transfer.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Tottenham
Morgan Gibbs-White looked set to become a Tottenham player. Credit: Hasan Karim – Breaking Media
Spurs exit must be pushed by Gibbs-White
Borson explained to Football Insider that to make a deal happen, Gibbs-White would need to tell the club he wants to leave, as Tottenham don’t have any “contractual right” to enforce a transfer.
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He said: “The player is the one with the contract and therefore is probably the party that would need to enforce the release clause, not Tottenham.
“Tottenham don’t really have any contractual right to enforce that, so it would need to be the player who would be saying, well, the release clause has been exercised, I’m now leaving.
“It seems to me that the most likely scenario is that the three parties are now going to have to negotiate.
“And Spurs, I don’t know, Spurs may well say we played no part in discovering the release clause.”
Thomas Frank, Tottenham
Thomas Frank will be keen to see a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White get over the line. (Credit: Imago)
Tottenham prepared to pay extra amid hijack fears
Speaking previously to Football Insider about the situation, Borson said that Tottenham would likely pay an extra £5-10m to complete Gibbs-White’s transfer.
There has been interest from both Manchester clubs in the 25-year-old this summer and with the resurgence of the number 10 position, a mad dash is underway to secure players of the former Wolves man’s ilk.
Whilst Man City’s signing of Rayan Cherki makes it seem unlikely they will return for Gibbs-White, there will be plenty of other sides interested.
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