Morgan Gibbs-White has officially reported for pre-season training with Nottingham Forest, amid rising tensions between the club and Tottenham Hotspur over an alleged illegal approach for the star midfielder. The 24-year-old England international returned to the Nigel Doughty Academy on Monday, joining his teammates in preparations for the upcoming 2025/26 Premier League season, despite off-field drama threatening to overshadow Forest’s summer plans.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, Nottingham Forest have lodged a formal legal complaint against Tottenham with the Premier League, accusing the North London club of breaching league regulations by contacting Gibbs-White without Forest’s permission.
The complaint alleges that Spurs made an “unauthorised approach” in an attempt to lure the player away, despite him being under contract until 2027.
The alleged breach of protocol has sparked outrage within the Forest hierarchy, who are keen to retain their prized asset amid growing interest from top-flight clubs. Gibbs-White, who was instrumental in Forest’s successful fight against relegation last season, has seen his value rise significantly after producing a standout campaign. The attacking midfielder contributed six goals and eight assists in 2024/25, consistently demonstrating creativity, vision, and leadership on the pitch.
Despite the controversy, Gibbs-White appeared focused and committed as he returned to training. He was seen engaging with teammates and taking part in full sessions under head coach Nuno Espírito Santo, signaling his professionalism and dedication to the club that gave him a central role since his transfer from Wolves in 2022.
Forest’s legal action is not just about one player — it’s also a broader statement of intent. The club’s leadership, including owner Evangelos Marinakis and CEO Ross Wilson, are determined to protect Forest’s interests and resist attempts by larger clubs to destabilize their squad through behind-the-scenes negotiations.
A club source stated, “We will not tolerate any attempts to unsettle our players through inappropriate or illegal means. We believe in due process and expect all Premier League clubs to act with integrity.”
Tottenham have so far declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations. However, insiders at the club suggest Spurs see Gibbs-White as a key target as they look to revamp their midfield under new manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian tactician is said to admire Gibbs-White’s technical ability, versatility, and work rate.
Whether the situation escalates further remains to be seen, but the early involvement of Premier League legal teams suggests the matter is being taken seriously. If Tottenham are found to have violated tapping-up rules, they could face fines or disciplinary sanctions, including possible transfer restrictions.
As for Nottingham Forest, the return of Morgan Gibbs-White provides a significant boost. With the club entering its third consecutive Premier League season, expectations are higher than ever. Nuno will be relying on key figures like Gibbs-White to help push Forest into mid-table safety, or even higher.
For now, Gibbs-White remains a Forest player — focused, fit, and ready for a new campaign. But the shadow of Spurs’ alleged interest continues to loom, and how the legal battle unfolds could have major implications for both clubs in the weeks ahead.
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