‘Tottenham face transfer ban after Nottingham Forest report Gibbs-White approach’
Daniel Levy’s side could be punished by the Premier League after Nottingham Forest’s fury at Tottenham’s approach for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Thomas Frank has already added Mohammed Kudus to the squad for £55million [BBC Sport], with Stefan Borson telling Football Insider that Tottenham are ready to spend up to £200m this summer.
That was evident when news emerged on Thursday, 10 July, that Spurs had triggered a £60m release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract, much to the surprise of everyone at the City Ground.
With 18 goals and 26 assists across his last three seasons with the Reds, it has been no surprise to see Man City, Arsenal, and Man United all interested, but the release clause has come as a massive shock.
Now, it has become apparent that Spurs’ learning of that specific transfer fee may not have been entirely legal, and Gibbs-White’s big-money move to Tottenham has now been left in limbo.
Tottenham to face punishment over Gibbs-White approach
According to the Daily Mail (11 July), the Reds have told Spurs not to make any further contact with Gibbs-White and have written to both the club and the Premier League over the “illegal” move.
It is understood that should the Premier League officials choose to investigate, and the Lilywhites are found guilty, they could face a hefty fine or even a transfer ban.
Forest refused to comment, though it is believed that Evangelos Marinakis‘ side attempted to resolve the situation amicably, but having not been able to do so, an explosive letter has now been written.
Daniel Levy goes transfer crazy in North London
Football Insider verdict
Levy has often been criticised by the Tottenham faithful for a lack of investment on the pitch, most recently after submitting a late bid for Marc Guehi in the winter transfer window.
The owner could now be forced not to splash the cash on incoming transfers, but given the moves in the market so far, Frank will be extremely unhappy if he cannot adapt the current squad.
Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tottenham would accept £25m for Yves Bissouma this summer, with Richarlison, Cristian Romero, Son Heung-min, and Manor Solomon also linked with exits.
Any deals, however, could be put on hold after Spurs’ attempt to sign Gibbs-White, possibly without Forest’s knowledge, with it being suggested that the agent revealed undisclosed information.
It is an extremely tricky situation for everyone involved, and the Premier League are unlikely to have wanted such drama this summer, but it is something that needs dealing with as soon as possible.
While Gibbs-White was fielding interest from several Premier League clubs, the Reds’ dealings with Spurs may have just thrown a spanner in the works of his plans.