Nottingham Forest are weighing legal options following Tottenham Hotspur’s push to sign midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, according to sources cited by BBC Sport.
At the heart of Forest’s frustration is a £60 million release clause tied to a confidentiality agreement.
The club is now reportedly examining whether that confidentiality has been violated in the course of Tottenham’s approach.
On Thursday, BBC Sport revealed that Gibbs-White was expected to undergo a medical on Friday, with Spurs intent on triggering the release clause in his contract.
Sources close to the club told BBC Sport, “Forest are furious at Tottenham’s conduct in their pursuit of the England international,” adding that “Forest’s threat to take legal action is genuine.”
Forest are adamant they have not granted permission to Spurs to enter discussions with the player and are reportedly ready to take all necessary steps to halt the proposed move.
Under existing Premier League regulations, clubs must obtain consent before entering negotiations with players under contract at rival teams.
Tottenham, aware of the potential legal minefield, remain optimistic about finalizing a deal.
Gibbs-White made the switch to Forest from Wolves in August 2022, in a deal valued at up to £42.5 million. Since then, he has featured 118 times, netting 18 goals and providing 28 assists.
He earned his England debut as a substitute during a Nations League victory over the Republic of Ireland in September, under interim coach Lee Carsley.
His latest international appearance came in a 3-1 friendly loss to Senegal at the City Ground, under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
In the meantime, Tottenham have completed a £55 million signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham this week.
Additionally, Gibbs-White’s Forest teammate Anthony Elanga is on the brink of a £55 million transfer to Newcastle United.
Despite a turbulent domestic season, Spurs secured a Champions League spot after edging Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League final.
The triumph ended a 17-year trophy drought since their 2-1 extra-time win over Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final.
