Tottenham ‘refused to bow’ to one Gibbs-White request – new light shed on failed deal
Evangelos Marinakis has made Nottingham Forest look stronger than Newcastle United following his approach to the Morgan Gibbs-White situation – but only because Tottenham refused to bow to one specific demand.
Tottenham moved to sign Gibbs-White, 25, last month as they looked set to trigger the £60million release clause in his contract.
A medical was scheduled to take place in north London before it emerged Forest were considering taking legal action against Spurs, with the focus around whether a specific confidentiality agreement in the release clause has been breached.
In a surprising turn of events, Gibbs-White has now signed a new contract at the City Ground until 2028.
After the deal was agreed, Forest owner Marinakis said: “There was significant interest from various clubs, but we were determined to build our future with Morgan at the heart of it.
“I promised our fans we would not only compete but grow stronger and stronger every season. Today is another big step in that journey.”
Meanwhile, there have been suggestions Newcastle have been made to look weak by Alexander Isak, 25, as he wants to explore a move away from St James’ Park following interest from Liverpool this summer.
Arne Slot’s side have seen a bid worth £110million plus add-ons rejected for the Sweden international, who trained alone with Real Sociedad last week.
Newcastle have made ‘very surprising’ Alexander Isak decision
This article contains exclusive comment from Stefan Borson, a former financial adviser to Man City.
Gibbs-White revealed he is “excited for what’s to come” after penning his new deal as he believes Marinakis has “enormous” ambitions at the City Ground.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I didn’t think that he was going to go for the release clause once it escalated.
“I thought there may be another element that was going to be required from Spurs, and obviously they weren’t interested in doing it.
“I think it’s also about optics.
“If you contrast the approach taken by Marinakis with Gibbs-White versus the approach taken so far with Isak, Marinakis has made Nottingham Forest look strong and a club that won’t be thrown around by other teams.
“Whereas Newcastle have done the opposite so far.
“I’m very surprised by Newcastle, but that’s how it looks at the moment.”
Nottingham Forest told £35m offer will be accepted
In terms of a potential incoming at the City Ground, Football Insider revealed on 3 August Forest have been told a £35million offer will be accepted for James McAtee.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are believed to have seen a £25million bid rejected for the Man City academy product.
McAtee started in just nine games for Pep Guardiola’s side last season, where he registered seven goals in 27 appearances.
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