Sources: Nottingham Forest in pole position to complete Jacob Ramsey deal
Nottingham Forest are the current front-runners in their pursuit of Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey despite growing interest from rival clubs.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 24-year-old’s long-term future at Villa Park and his potential destination.
Forest are facing competition from the likes of Everton, who are planning an ambitious move for the midfielder as they aim to bolster David Moyes’ squad.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 July that Aston Villa could accept £50million for Ramsey, with Morgan Gibbs-White’s exit potentially facilitating the move.
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.
Meanwhile, former Villa scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 3 July that Ramsey is open to leaving Aston Villa in search of more regular first-team football.
Nottingham Forest eye Jacob Ramsey deal after ‘unhappy’ claim
Football Insider exclusively revealed in May that Ramsey is “unhappy” at Aston Villa and would be open to a move for more regular starts.
As a result, interest in a deal has rocketed in recent months, with Forest, Everton and Tottenham all interested in offering him a route out of Villa Park.
O’Rourke explained that Forest are currently leading the race for his signature as they would be prepared to spend big alongside the offer of Europa League football.
“If Ramsey was to leave, Forest will probably be the favourites,” he told Football Insider.
“Obviously, we know Forest are scouring the market for attacking reinforcements with Elanga moving to Newcastle and it seems Gibbs-White will end up at Tottenham.
“Everton are showing ambitous moves in the transfer market.
“They’ve brought in Barry from Villarreal, and if they were to get Ramsey, it would be a huge coup.
“If Villa were to sell him, Forest would be able to get to that £40-50million mark, and having European football at the City Ground might just give them the edge.
“I think Villa would like to keep hold of Ramsey, but if a big offer was to come in Forest would be favourites ahead of those other clubs.”
Morgan Gibbs-White update emerges after Tottenham offer
As Forest continue to eye a deal for Ramsey, speculation about Gibbs-White’s future is refusing to go away after the controversy surrounding Tottenham’s bid.
Football Insider revealed on 18 July that Tottenham are still expected to sign Gibbs-White despite the delays as an agreement will be reached in due course.
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.
As far as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are concerned, that deal is now off, but there is a growing feeling that the current protests are only delaying the inevitable.
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