Why Morgan Gibbs-White didn't travel with Nottingham Forest squad for pre-season in Portugal

Daily Mirror

5 days ago

Tottenham are still in the dark over Morgan Gibbs-White's future after Nottingham Forest quickly shut down his move to north London over claims of an "illegal approach", despite activating his £60m release clause
Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has not travelled with the team for their pre-season camp in Portugal due to a "personal matter", amid his club's ongoing transfer row with Tottenham.
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Spurs and Forest began a dispute over Gibbs-White after the north London club triggered his £60m release clause and even set up a medical for the England international. But Forest quickly slammed the brakes on the deal and claimed that Tottenham had not been granted permission to the speak to the player - saying they would be consulting their lawyers after their "illegal approach".
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Forest have since reported Spurs to the Premier League, with the dispute ongoing and the move considered off as things stand - though the move could yet be resurrected later down the line.
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Gibbs-White has since returned to training but is understood to be keen on joining Thomas Frank's men - and reportedly wanted his future solved by this week, before Forest jetted out to Portugal. Gibbs-White did not board the plane heading to their pre-season training camp on Monday.
His fiancee, Britney De Villiers, posted a photo from a hospital bed on her Instagram on Sunday night. De Villiers, who is heavily pregnant, uploaded the picture with the caption: "To all the mamas who are dealing with or have dealt with a high risk pregnancy, my heart really goes out to you and I want you to know you're not alone.
"This has been one of the hardest things I've dealt with and I just don't really remember a time I wasn't overwhelmed with stress."
It's understood Forest have allowed Gibbs-White to stay with his family. He is expected to join up with the rest of his Forest team-mates later this week once he is ready.
He played the first half of Forest's 0-0 draw at Chesterfield last week and was given a warm reception by fans. It's understood the 25-year-old has displayed an exemplary attitude amid the transfer saga but that he still wants clarity on his future either way.
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Gibbs-White has less than two years remaining on his deal at the City Ground and has shown no indication he wants to renew his contract amid the huge interest in his signature - including from Manchester City.
It's believed Tottenham are considering submitting a second bid of £65m in the hopes it would change Forest's position, but it's not yet clear whether the club would be open to negotiations amid the fierce row.
Forest have sold Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for £55m and are reluctant to lose two key players in the same transfer window.