Morgan Gibbs-White ‘excited’ by Nottingham Forest exit as Tottenham wait

Nottingham Forest look to be fighting a losing battle when it comes to keeping Morgan Gibbs-White, with all indications pointing towards an eventual move to Tottenham.

To his credit, Gibbs-White has joined up with the squad in Portugal to continue pre-season training when he could’ve easily refused to take part to force a move through.

However, he remains likely to leave the City Ground this summer, with Nottingham Forest News revealing that Manchester City were put off returning for Gibbs-White due to his desire to make the switch to North London.

City may be in better shape than Spurs on paper, but a new report has indicated just why the Englishman is keen to ply his trade at The Lilywhites.

Why Morgan Gibbs-White is ‘excited about Tottenham move

Negotiations between the two clubs are in a tricky position right now, after Forest shut down communications with Spurs as the dispute over how they came to know about his £60m release clause continues.

For the player, though, agreeing to the Spurs move looks to have been a rather straightforward decision, with GIVEMESPORT providing information as to why Gibbs-White is so keen on the transfer.

The report said: “GMS sources have been informed that Gibbs-White, who played a crucial role in spearheading Nottingham Forest to European qualification during the 2024/25 campaign, wants to join Tottenham and is excited by the role put forward by Frank when the capital club initially tried to secure his services.

“GMS sources have been told that Tottenham’s interest and plans for Gibbs-White turned his head and gave him a vision of something different compared to what would be on offer at Manchester City, resulting in him prioritising a transfer to north London as he aims to prove he deserves to be involved at the 2026 World Cup.”

Pep Guardiola is known for his squad rotation so perhaps Gibbs-White is right to prefer a move to a club where he is likely to play more consistently.

Specifically under Thomas Frank, too, it seems as if Spurs’ new manager has already tailored a role for Gibbs-White in his tactical set-up.

Tottenham have a perfect role ready for Morgan Gibbs-White

Given the dispute between the two clubs, Evangelos Marinakis wants Gibbs-White to sign for Man City over Spurs, but it’s easy to understand why the midfield talisman has been tempted by Frank’s tactical plans.

Spurs have played one friendly so far this pre-season in the Dane’s first outing in his new job, where he seemed to have created a role that already looks perfect for Gibbs-White.

Explained by The Athletic: “The Dane is still experimenting with the team’s shape but it appeared that they were in a 4-3-3 which sometimes morphed into a 4-2-4.

“For example, in the first half, Alfie Devine operated in an advanced central midfield role ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr but out of possession stepped up alongside striker Dominic Solanke.”

Gibbs-White has thrived under Nuno Espírito Santo in this advanced midfield role so there’s no reason why he couldn’t do the same for Spurs, with the additional chance to move alongside the striker on occasion giving him the chance to improve his goal tally.

Spurs still have plenty to do to bring Marinakis back to the negotiating table, but with Gibbs-White’s preference clear, the move is still very much on.

Juventus have just opened talks to sign Nottingham Forest target as Evangelos Marinakis makes offer

Nottingham Forest are now facing significant competition from Juventus in their pursuit to sign a defender.

Nottingham Forest have a substantial budget to spend after banking around £50m from Anthony Elanga’s transfer to Newcastle United.

There is still a chance Morgan Gibbs-White joins Tottenham Hotspur for in excess of £60m, with the North Londoners reportedly considering a second offer worth more than his release clause.

So, Evangelos Marinakis is set to back Nuno Espirito Santo with a number of talented players, as Forest submit a bid for Bologna’s Dan Ndoye.

They’ve also made an offer for a defender on the continent, however, Juve are now circling.

• READ MORE: The truly bizarre tactic Bologna have just deployed to convince Dan Ndoye to reject Nottingham Forest

Juventus open talks to sign Nottingham Forest target Nahuel Molina

Nottingham Forest are keen on signing another right-back this summer transfer window to provide Ola Aina with help.

It’s understood Forest have identified Nahuel Molina as a top target from Atletico Madrid and Evangelos Marinakis has already submitted an offer.

Marinakis and his chiefs are awaiting a response from Atleti, however, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus have now opened talks to sign Molina.

The 27-year-old is valued at around £26m by the Spanish giants, but Juve are keen to land his signature on an initial loan with an obligation to buy.

Clearly, Forest are on the back foot in the race to sign the Argentina international.

Forest pull out of Pablo Maffeo deal

Forest were initially trying to sign Mallorca’s Pablo Maffeo but despite the former Manchester City youngster keen on joining, the transfer is now off.

That’s because the Tricky Trees have refused to meet Maffeo’s £6.9m valuation, despite already submitting a bid worth £5.5m.

That does seem strange, considering there was only a £1.4m gap in valuations, but anyhow, Forest have moved on and now may have to do the same with Molina.

There is no pressing need to sign a right-back, though, as Aina has cover from Neco Williams, if needed.