Tottenham could get embroiled in a transfer battle with Aston Villa for the signing of highly-rated Premier League midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur have clear issues within the squad that must be addressed in the summer after a quiet January transfer window. Spurs managed to land only Conor Gallagher and Souza in the past transfer window when the requirements were far bigger, leaving head coach Thomas Frank in a spot of bother.
One of the most pressing concerns is the lack of a quality No.10 who can consistently create and score goals. James Maddison has been the club’s source of creativity and goals from midfield in recent years, but he has struggled to keep himself fit in the last two years. The England international is currently sidelined with an ACL injury and is unlikely to feature this season. With the playmaker having persistent injury problems and inching towards 30, the Lilywhites decided to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig last summer.
Simons’ N17 career is yet to take off. Apart from a few eye-catching displays, the Netherlands international has struggled to cope with the pace, physicality and intensity of the Premier League. Having signed just last year, it is still too early to make judgments on the 22-year-old as he needs at least a year to fully acclimatise to the Premier League. Yet, Tottenham continue keeping tabs on a player they missed out on signing before turning to Simons.
Aston Villa plot ambitious move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White
As per recent reports, Tottenham are planning to revive their interest in Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.
Spurs triggered the Englishman’s £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest last summer. They also agreed personal terms with the player, but the deal was blocked by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. He accused Tottenham of approaching Morgan Gibbs-White and his representatives illegally, leading to a failed transfer and the creative midfielder penning a new contract at City Ground.
While Tottenham still hold an interest in the 26-year-old, they could face competition from one of their Premier League rivals for his signature. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are plotting an ambitious summer swoop for Gibbs-White. A substantial offer in the £65-70 million range might tempt Forest to sell their prized asset, even if they end up maintaining their top-flight status.
Gibbs-White has been among the rare shining lights in an otherwise poor league campaign for Forest, bagging six goals and two assists in 25 appearances. Despite the England international’s creativity, goals and work ethic, the Tricky Trees find themselves battling relegation. Should they suffer the drop, the midfielder’s departure will more or less become certain.
Tottenham could find it difficult to sign Gibbs-White
Aston Villa showing interest in Gibbs-White is bad news for Tottenham. It is no surprise the Villans want the Forest star as a potential replacement for Morgan Rogers, with Unai Emery keen to bring him across the Midlands. The time may be right for the Englishman to take the next step in his career and join a club competing for trophies.
Tottenham would have hoped to build on their Europa League success of last season, but they are nowhere near competing for anything realistic despite making it to the Champions League last-16. Villa, on the other hand, firmly remain in contention for a top-four finish and are considered among the favourites to win the Europa League this term.
If it comes down to a direct battle between Spurs and Villa for Gibbs-White’s signature, the latter’s chances of winning it remain high at this moment.