Sources: Aston Villa line up Gibbs-White deal after release clause trigger
Aston Villa are plotting a move to sign Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White if they are forced to sell Morgan Rogers this summer.
The 23-year-old remains a crucial part of Unai Emery’s plans for the future, but growing interest in his signature has forced Aston Villa to make contingency plans.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Gibbs-White has emerged on Villa’s radar and might become available in the summer.
Nottingham Forest‘s ongoing relegation battle has led to suggestions the England international could move on, and Villa are now among the leading contenders.
Meanwhile, the likes of Man City and Tottenham have previously been linked with moves for Gibbs-White, with the latter coming close to agreeing terms last summer.
Aston Villa eye Morgan Gibbs-White to replace Morgan Rogers
Rogers‘ performances for Villa over the last two seasons have led to interest from some of the world’s biggest clubs, with Chelsea among his leading admirers.
Emery’s side were able to deter interest in the attacking midfielder last summer by setting a huge asking price and ruling out any position sale.
However, they may be unable to do the same this year amid ongoing financial concerns, and they have begun assessing potential replacements as a result.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it’s gonna be an interesting one with regards to Morgan Gibbs-White’s long term future.
“If Nottingham Forest were to go down, it would be inevitable I think that he would move on as I don’t imagine he will want to play in the Championship.
“He came very close to a move away from the City Ground last summer when Tottenham triggered his release clause, but eventually he ended up signing a new deal.
“Although Forrest won’t want to lose him, I’m sure they’ll probably will be expecting interest in him.
“There’s been potential talk that Villa could be interested in Gibbs White especially if they were to lose somebody like Morgan Rogers.
“He isn’t going to be short of options, Morgan Gibbs-White, if he decides to leave Forest. There will be a number of Premier League clubs who will be interested in the former Wolves man.”
Nottingham Forest could be forced to sell Gibbs-White
Nottingham Forest are in big trouble in the Premier League with an ongoing relegation battle, while teams around them continue to pick up points.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Forest could be forced to sell Gibbs-White if they are relegated.
Gibbs-White is not the only one who could be shown the door, though, with the likes of Elliot Anderson and Murillo also unlikely to stay in the second tier.
Evangelos Marinakis will be hoping the decision to sack Dyche proves to be an inspired one to keep them up, although there are concerns about the impact on the team.
Nottingham Forest’s next managerial appointment may prove crucial to keeping hold of these players and staying in the Premier League.
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