Nottingham Forest are reportedly prepared to pull out all the stops—including offering a lucrative new contract—to fend off persistent interest from Tottenham Hotspur and secure the long-term future of star playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.
Gibbs-White has established himself as one of the most electric and devastating attacking midfielders in the Premier League over the past twelve months. His scintillating form has carried directly into the calendar year, where he currently stands as the joint-leading goalscorer in the Premier League for 2026 alongside Manchester City goal machine Erling Haaland, having netted an incredible 13 times since January.
That stellar production has also caught the eye of the national team setup, resulting in Gibbs-White earning a late call-up to the England squad for their upcoming international fixtures following a wave of injuries and pull-outs.
Tottenham’s Lingering Interest and Past Tensions
Spurs’ admiration for Gibbs-White is well-documented. North London suitors made the 26-year-old a primary target back in 2025, though that pursuit devolved into high-stakes boardroom drama when Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis fiercely accused Tottenham of making illegal contact with the player’s representatives.
While Gibbs-White ultimately signed a new three-year contract following that saga, fresh uncertainty surfaced in August when the midfielder switched agents. Recognizing an opportunity, Spurs continue to monitor his situation closely. Roberto De Zerbi’s side has endured a sluggish start to the campaign, and club bosses are expected to scour the market for elite reinforcements in January if their struggles on the pitch persist.
However, according to Football Insider’s transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke, any approach from Tottenham will meet an unyielding wall of resistance from the City Ground hierarchy. Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, O’Rourke made it clear that Forest hold a strong hand and are determined to protect their prized asset:
“Tottenham’s interest still remains in Gibbs-White, but Nottingham Forest are in a strong position,” O’Rourke explained. “They have tried to sign him before in the past, so it doesn’t surprise me that they are continuing to keep tabs on him, but I’m sure Forest will do everything they can to keep hold of him long term.”
Storm Clouds Gathering at the City Ground
While Forest are dead-set on rebuffing Spurs’ advances, turmoil threatens to engulf the club from within. The fierce ambition of Evangelos Marinakis is colliding with a sluggish start to the new season, leaving manager Oliver Glasner walking a precarious tightrope.
Forest have managed just a single victory in their opening fixtures across all competitions, creating a volatile atmosphere at the City Ground. Speculation is mounting that Glasner could be dismissed at any moment, making him an early bookmaker’s favorite for the sack in the Premier League. Ironically, Forest’s first fixture back after the international break pits them against Glasner’s former club, Crystal Palace—a match that could ultimate prove make-or-break for the Austrian boss.
Despite the managerial uncertainty and circling vultures from North London, Nottingham Forest’s primary objective remains clear. Whether they can stabilize their season under the weight of mounting pressure or find themselves searching for a new dugout general, the club is fully prepared to do “everything” in their power to ensure Morgan Gibbs-White remains the centerpiece of their Premier League ambitions.
