Exclusive: Nottingham Forest told £50m Jacob Ramsey offer will be accepted
Nottingham Forest have been told an offer of £50million could be enough to beat off rivals in the race to sign Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have told him about the 24-year-old’s future and potential destination should he leave Villa Park.
Forest would be prepared to move ahead of rivals for his signature, with the allure of European football and willingness to spend big giving them an advantage.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed in May that Ramsey is unhappy at Aston Villa and could look to leave in search of more regular playing time.
Forest have set their sights on the midfielder and are prepared to make a move amid ongoing speculation about the future of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Meanwhile, former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Villa could accept big offers for Ramsey amid uncertainty over his role in the team.
Aston Villa respond to Nottingham Forest interest in Jacob Ramsey
Football Insider revealed on 8 July that Villa are “desperate” to keep hold of Ramsey this summer alongside Morgan Rodgers, as they remain key parts of their plans.
After resolving their PSR issues by selling the women’s team before the 30 June financial deadline, there is no longer pressure on Villa to cash in.
O’Rourke explained that Unai Emery is keen to keep hold of his best players amid a slow start to the window at Villa Park, but a big offer could force the club’s hand.
“I think Forest would be able to get to the £40-50million mark,” he told Football Insider.
“That would be enough to convince Villa to sell him.
“Obviously, having European football next year at the City Ground might just give them the edge over other Premier League clubs interested in Ramsey as well.
“I think, right now, Villa ideally would like to keep hold of Ramsey.
“They haven’t been very busy in the window so far, so Unai Emery is hoping to keep hold of his best players after they resolved their PSR issues.
“Ramsey still has a role to play at Villa, but if a big offer was to come in for him, Forest would be the favourites ahead of those other clubs.”
Morgan Gibbs-White update after Tottenham medical twist
Forest’s interest in Ramsey comes amid ongoing speculation surrounding Gibbs-White and a potential move to Tottenham before the window closes.
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Tottenham are expected to sign Gibbs-White despite the “messy” situation which saw Forest threaten legal action.
Forest accused Tottenham of making an illegal approach to Gibbs-White, having never given permission for the talks, and threatened to take legal action as a result.
The attacking midfielder was originally set to undergo a medical at Spurs’ training ground last week after agreeing to the move, before Forest put the breaks on.
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