Forest identify Morgan Gibbs-White replacement amid Tottenham transfer battle
Two weeks ago, Gibbs-White looked destined to join Spurs after they triggered his release clause and booked his medical.
But the deal is on hold with Forest threatening legal action against their Premier League rivals, as they believe Tottenham made an illegal approach for their star player.
The Three Lions midfielder still wants to move to north London but has remained professional throughout the saga, reporting for training and starting Saturday's pre-season friendly against Monaco.
Gibbs-White moved to the City Ground from Wolves in 2022 in a deal worth up to £42m and last season recorded 17 goal contributions as he helped Forest qualify for Europe.
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Forest have no intention of selling the 25-year-old, having already seen Anthony Elanga join Newcastle, but have lined-up a replacement just in case.
The Telegraph report that Nuno Espirito Santo's side are among the clubs pushing to sign Manchester City star James McAtee, who is valued at £35m.
Despite being highly-rated, Pep Guardiola has scarcely given McAtee a chance to show his worth, giving him just three Premier League starts last season.
West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt are also pursuing the 22-year-old, who turned down the chance to play at the Club World Cup to instead captain England to glory at the U21 Euros. More Trending
McAtee recently met with the German clubs and was impressed by their offers, while the Irons believe he could replace Mohammed Kudus who recently joined Spurs for £55m.
However, all four interested clubs don't agree with City's price tag and instead value the attacking midfielder, who has entered the last year of his contract, at £20-25m.
Manchester United had previously been linked with a shock move for the Citizen but their interest has almost certainly cooled following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Forest are about to embark on their pre-season tour of Portugal and kick-off the new season, with or without Gibbs-White and McAtee, on August 17 against Brentford.
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MORE: Adam Wharton makes transfer decision amid Man Utd and Liverpool interest
MORE: Thomas Frank explains why three players missed Tottenham's win over Reading
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