Fabrizio Romano has shared an encouraging Tottenham transfer update after the club unfortunately missed out on a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.
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Tottenham set to make offer for “sensational” £45m star after holding talks
Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.
Spurs head coach Thomas Frank was dealt his first blow as Lilywhites manager with the surprise Saturday announcement that Gibbs-White signed a new deal at the City Ground.
Just over two weeks ago, the England international was on the verge of joining Frank’s side. Chairman Daniel Levy was ready to trigger his £60 million release clause in another quick-fire, statement deal right after they signed Mohammmed Kudus for £55 million from West Ham (ESPN).
The move was so advanced, in fact, that Spurs scheduled a medical for the attacking midfielder on July 11 – but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis somehow managed to block his transfer in unprecedented fashion.
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Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025 |
Average match rating |
|---|---|
|
Son Heung-min |
7.00 |
|
James Maddison |
6.98 |
|
Pedro Porro |
6.95 |
|
Dominic Solanke |
6.84 |
|
Dejan Kulusevski |
6.83 |
|
via WhoScored |
|
Marinakis threatened legal action against Tottenham for an alleged ‘illegal’ approach for Gibbs-White, accusing them of both tapping up the player and breaching confidentiality rules surrounding his release clause (Sky Sports).
Since then, Marinakis did what he hasn’t been able to do for the last 12 months – convince the 25-year-old to agree a contract extension.
With Gibbs-White now committing his future, Frank, Levy and technical director Johan Lange are now forced to enter the market for an alternative number 10 – which they’re in serious need of.
Tottenham really struggled for creativity against League One side Luton Town last weekend, and while it’s important not to read too much into pre-season preparations, Frank will be hoping it isn’t a sign of things to come.
James Maddison is still coming back from a knee injury which has kept him out of pre-season so far, but the Englishman has been included in Tottenham’s squad list for their imminent tour of Asia.
Tottenham working on signing Morgan Gibbs-White alternative
According to Fabrizio Romano, writing in GiveMeSport’s newsletter, Spurs are very much still on the look-out for another creative midfielder after missing out on Gibbs-White.
While no names have come up just yet, Romano states that Tottenham are actively “working” on signing a Gibbs-White alternative right now – coming as some much-needed good news after what was a waste of two weeks.
“They’re working on it [alternative targets for Gibbs-White],” said Romano. “As soon as I know, I will tell you.”
In terms of quality candidates, we believe that Spurs should look no further than Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Arsenal are believed to be pursuing a deal for Eze, but nothing is done yet, and Spurs have been credibly linked with the 27-year-old this window (talkSPORT).
The England international, who commands a £60 million release clause which could rise to £68 million through bonuses (Sky Sports), would come at a similar price to what Levy was willing to pay for Gibbs-White.
Eze also bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last term, including the FA Cup final-winning goal against Man City, would undoubtedly upgrade Frank’s options, and he’s almost a no-brainer to at least consider.
