Aston Villa told to offer 'big money' for Morgan Gibbs-White by ex-employee

Aston Villa should have made a move for Morgan Gibbs-White this summer and he showed exactly why during Nottingham Forest's 2-1 win.

That is the opinion of former senior Villa scout, Bryan King, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.

The 26-year-old assisted Igor Jesus' winner for Nottingham Forest at Villa Park, after Liam Delap and Alysson Edward had both scored.

Villa reportedly considered the signing of Gibbs-White in the summer, but never made any official approach to Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder, who scored 18 goals last season, would have appeared an ideal replacement for Morgan Rogers, who joined Chelsea in a £117million deal.

Gibbs-White has just two years remaining on his contract at the City Ground and could well be a target in January or next summer.

Morgan Gibbs-White 'perfect' for Aston Villa

Gibbs-White starred at Villa Park, in a performance that very much showcased everything Villa are currently lacking.

The midfielder created seven chances and was all over the pitch, creating constant problems for Unai Emery's team.

Nottingham Forest are desperate to keep him, but there is a feeling that for the right price, Gibbs-White would have been allowed to leave this summer.

"He's a good player. He gives clubs another option. Well, at this moment in time, he looks like he's made a good decision to stay where he is," King told Football Insider.

"Aston Villa. Once they started moving out players like they'd moved out, he would have been a perfect replacement. You know, for [Ollie] Watkins or for Rogers in those forward positions, but as I say, I think Aston Villa have created their own problems."

He added: "I'd have thought, after the players you were getting rid of, I'd have gone back in and offered big money for Gibbs-White. Well, I tell you what, that decision certainly came back and hit him on Saturday, didn't it?"

What Oliver Glasner said about Gibbs-White sums him up

At some point, a big club will need to take a chance on Gibbs-White. He almost joined Tottenham last summer, and, as long as he continues to perform as he is, there is a definitely a big move on the horizon for him.

"He is not just defined by the number of goals he scored or assists," said Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner after he had scored against Liverpool at Anfield.

"I know how he is working for the team out of possession, how he creates the space with some runs and movements. It is as important as scoring a goal. 

"When you need a special moment in the game you usually need a special player, and Morgan is definitely a special player."