Morgan Gibbs-White's move to Tottenham is now off

Morgan Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham is now off, according to Sky Sports News, as Nottingham Forest consult their lawyers over potential legal action.

The news portal claims that “Forest have ceased all communication with Spurs as things stand.”

“Forest believe Spurs made an illegal approach to the player and never granted permission for them to speak to him.”

Spurs triggered Gibbs-White’s £60m release clause on Thursday.

Sky Sports News further disclosed that Forest believe there has also been a breach in confidentiality around his release clause, because Tottenham’s bid was pitched at exactly that level.

As it stands, it is unclear if Forest are able to block the transfer, however, it is now expected to be delayed as Forest prepare a complaint to the Premier League.

Manchester City were heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old prior to the start of the Club World Cup, however, Pep Guardiola’s side cooled their interest.

Gibbs-White moved to Forest from Wolves for a then club-record fee of £25m plus add-ons in August 2022

Gibbs-White, who has four England caps, netted four times and provided eight assists in 34 Premier League games last season for Forest who missed out on Champions League qualification.

He is set to become the second Forest player to exit the club alongside Anthony Elanga, with Forest agreeing the latter’s £55m sale to Newcastle earlier this week.

Gibbs-White moved to Forest from Wolves for a then club-record fee of £25m plus add-ons in August 2022, on a five-year deal.

He racked up over 110 appearances in three years at Forest, scoring 18 goals and registering 28 assists in all competitions.

Gibbs-White made his England debut as a substitute in the Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland in September under interim manager Lee Carsley.

His most recent appearance came off the bench in the 3-1 friendly defeat by Senegal at the City Ground under new boss Thomas Tuchel.