Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur 'winning race to sign Premier League attacker'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 19 April 2024

Spurs 'winning race to sign Premier League attacker'

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly emerge as the frontrunners to secure a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White during the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly regarded as the frontrunners to sign Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 24-year-old was signed by the East Midlands outfit soon after they earned a return to the Premier League in the summer of 2022.

Although Forest have since been deducted four points for their level of spending over the past four transfer windows, the acquisition of the former England Under-21 international has proven vital.

From 67 appearances in the top flight, Gibbs-White has contributed 10 goals and 15 assists, helping keep Forest in the division last season and putting them in a position where their fate remains in their own hands during 2023-24.

In six of his last 10 outings in the Premier League, at least one goal or assist has been provided by Gibbs-White, and Forest sit a one point above the relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 13, 2024 © Reuters

Spurs 'leading race for Gibbs-White'

Although Gibbs-White has a contract at Forest until 2027, reports are persisting that they will have to make a big-money sale in the summer courtesy of needing to avoid further breaches of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Defender Murillo has been mentioned as a potential option to raise funds, yet the likelihood is that Forest would generate more money through selling Gibbs-White.

According to Football Insider, Spurs are attentive to the situation and are contemplating whether to make a formal approach for the player.

The report goes as far as saying that Spurs are leading the race to get a deal over the line for Gibbs-White, the feeling being that he would suit Ange Postecoglou's style of play.

While Newcastle United are also credited as admirers, Spurs are currently in a better position financially to edge out the Magpies for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur's James Maddison reacts on January 31, 2024 © Reuters

Where would Gibbs-White fit in at Spurs?

One of Gibbs-White's key traits is that he is can play in every position in the final third, even down the middle of the attack as a false nine.

Under two different managers this season, his most frequent position has been a central-attacking role, but the former Wolverhampton Wanderers has also been used on either flank on 11 occasions.

Postecoglou already has an array of options at his disposal, including Brennan Johnson who was also signed from Forest last summer.

James Maddison currently holds Gibbs-White's preferred number 10 role, yet he has not delivered during the second half of the campaign, only providing one goal and two assists since February.

Timo Werner is also part of Postecoglou's plans, although it is unclear whether Spurs will complete the permanent addition of the RB Leipzig attacker.