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- Forest accuse Spurs of illegal approach for Gibbs-White
- Telegraph report deal is off; Sky claim Forest can’t block transfer
- £60m clause triggered, but legal uncertainty stalls move
Nottingham Forest have halted talks with Tottenham and are consulting legal counsel over what they claim was an illegal approach for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to multiple reports. It is reported that the Lilywhites had activated the midfielder’s £60m release clause without Forest’s permission to negotiate. The Telegraph has claimed that the deal is now completely off, but Sky Sports reports that Forest cannot actually block the transfer.
Forest are said to be furious about a breach of confidentiality, alleging Spurs had insider knowledge of the exact clause. While the club may not be able to legally prevent the move, they are determined to delay and challenge it through formal channels. Gibbs-White had already agreed on personal terms, which has sparked anger among Forest supporters.
Sky Sports’ report also states that Forest never gave Tottenham the green light to speak to Gibbs-White and now believe the Premier League rules were broken when the North London side held conversations with the England international. A medical had already been scheduled for Friday before Forest pulled the plug and stopped communication. Tottenham remain confident they acted lawfully and believe the release clause justifies their approach.
Nottingham Forest will formally lodge their complaint with the Premier League and are weighing legal action. Spurs are expected to wait for clarity on the legality of their approach before moving forward. For now, the deal hangs in the balance, leaving Gibbs-White in limbo after his apparent desire to join Tottenham.
