Tottenham handed Morgan Gibbs-White lifeline as Nottingham Forest make transfer plan

Nottingham Forest are reportedly interested in Aston Villa star Jacob Ramsey in a deal that could pave the way for Morgan Gibbs-White to join Tottenham. Forest enjoyed an excellent campaign last season, finishing seventh in the Premier League.

They will also play in the Europa League next season after FA Cup winners Crystal Palace were demoted to the Europa Conference League after they were found to have breached UEFA's multi-club ownership rules.

Forest have made just two senior signings so far this summer, bringing in striker Igor Jesus and defender Jair Cunha from Botafogo, and a new report from the Telegraph states that Ramsey has now emerged as their top target.

Ramsey was ever-present for Villa last season, making 46 appearances across all competitions, and has been identified by Forest as someone who can play anywhere across their frontline.

And Ramsey is on the radar of England boss Thomas Tuchel, who name checked him when he unveiled his first Three Lions squad. "There are some tough ones, with the likes of James Maddison, Gibbs-White and also Jacob Ramsey," he said at the time.

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"I am sure that I miss out now only players who were also close. Very close calls. They were all disappointed, but it was important to bring the message in person."

It is claimed that Forest's interest is 'long-standing' and Villa could be tempted to sell as any fee would count as pure profit on their accounts as Ramsey is an academy graduate. The 24-year-old largely played on the left for Villa, but has also featured more centrally and on the right.

As a result, Ramsey could end up replacing either Gibbs-White or Anthony Elanga, who has been sold to Newcastle in a £55million deal. Spurs are hoping to sign Gibbs-White this summer, but Forest have accused them of making an "illegal approach".

Tottenham triggered Gibbs-White's £60m release clause, but Forest halted the deal after accusing them of effectively tapping up the player. Spurs, though, are said to still remain confident that the deal will be done.

Gibbs-White was a key player for Forest last season, producing 17 goal contributions in 34 league games, and was linked with a move to Manchester City before they signed Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki.

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