Nottingham Forest drop major Morgan Gibbs-White to Tottenham transfer hint

Tottenham believe they can still complete a deal to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest despite a delay to transfer talks because of a legal complaint from the selling side.

Spurs thought they had pulled off a major coup in activating the 25-year-old's release clause and agreeing personal terms with the player out of the blue at the end of last week, but Forest were not happy.

Tottenham had offered the exact amount to trigger the release clause of the England international - something which they deem should have been confidential - and having lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle United already, were not willing to let Gibbs-White depart as well.

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Forest have lodged a legal complaint with the Premier League and it remains to be seen what the outcome of that will be, whether it will delay the transfer or stop it altogether.

Spurs remain hopeful of a deal being concluded and it seems Forest may be resigned to losing their midfield maestro as they are seemingly already putting plans in place to replace him.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have been linked with moves for not one but two attacking midfielders in the last 24 hours, which may be to supplement their attack following the departure of Elanga, but could also be seen as lining up a replacement for Gibbs-White should his move to Tottenham go through.

Manchester City youngster James McAtee is a player Forest have a kee interest in, with a £25million deal mooted. Eintracht Frankfurt have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old, but reports have emerged that Forest are 'pushing hard' to sign him.

Then there's Jacob Ramsey - a player previously linked with Spurs.

According to a report by the Telegraph, Forest have made Ramsey their number one target this summer. The Aston Villa man would more likely be a replacement for Elanga, with McAtee potentially filling the Gibbs-White hole.