Nottingham Forest’s hopes of hanging on to Morgan Gibbs-White may have received a potential boost.
There is a question mark over the Reds playmaker’s future at the City Ground ahead of Sunday’s opening of the summer transfer window. He is wanted by Manchester City as they search for a replacement for Kevin De Bruyne.
But Gibbs-White is not the only option manager Pep Guardiola has on his radar. And it seems there has been a development regarding one of the other candidates to fill De Bruyne’s boots.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said on social media: “Manchester City made contact to start initial talks for Rayan Cherki as target for #10 position. He’s top of the list with Morgan Gibbs-White after Wirtz deal off, while Cherki’s also aware of Man City interest.”
City had previously had their eye on Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz but a move was reportedly moved out due to the cost of a deal. Lyon’s Cherki is said to have already confirmed he will leave the French club this summer.
It has been claimed Cherki has a £20-25 million release clause in his contract. Such a fee would make him significantly cheaper than Gibbs-White, with various reports suggesting Forest would want anywhere from £70m to £100m for their star man.
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The Reds are not under pressure to sell Gibbs-White to raise funds and they are well aware of his value. They also know he would be a difficult man to replace.
Amid City’s interest in the 25-year-old, Guardiola raised eyebrows when he approached him on the Wembley pitch after his team’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Forest. Reds head coach Nuno Espirito Santo recently appeared to reference the encounter when discussing the transfer speculation surrounding Gibbs-White.
“Normally, me personally, I think during the competition it is not healthy to speak or to approach other players of other teams,” Nuno said. “Morgan is one of the players that because we know each other so well and for so long, we don’t have to speak. But I see him well. Just leave Morgan to do his job and enjoy his football. When he does it, it is amazing.”
On the back of Forest's final-day defeat to Chelsea, which cost them a potential Champions League spot, Gibbs-White posted on social media: “24/25. What a season with this incredible club. From fighting relegation to being back in Europe after 30 years. Thank you for your unwavering support this season, you’ve been incredible.”
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