Spurs open first talks to sign £70m CM

Two weeks after triggering his £60m release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract, Tottenham Hotspur are still yet to complete a deal for his signature.

The saga continues to be dragged out, with the midfielder now returning to pre-season training and even going on tour with his current outfit, Nottingham Forest.

It remains unclear as to what could happen over the next few weeks, with a deal dragging out and restricting the business Thomas Frank can conduct in his first window in charge.

Whether the player wants the move or not, no deal can progress until the illegal approach situation with the Reds is resolved, something which could take time when dealing with Evangelos Marinakis.

Undoubtedly, other targets are being drawn up as a result of the delay, possibly seeing the hierarchy move away from a move for Gibbs-White and targeting other Premier League talents.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of weeks, Harvey Elliott has been touted with a move to join Spurs, looking to add further quality in attacking areas in North London.

The Liverpool star could be an expensive addition this summer, with Arne Slot’s side demanding a fee in the region of £40m to offload the 22-year-old attacker this window.

However, he’s not the only Premier League player currently in their sights, leading to work being done behind the scenes to sign Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo.

According to TBR Football, the Lilywhites have reached out to the Red Devils to ask about a potential move for the 20-year-old, who made 37 appearances across all competitions last season.

The report also states that the player could leave Old Trafford this summer, after contract talks between the player and the club recently hit a stalemate.

Previous claims have suggested that United placed a £70m asking price on the midfielder’s head earlier in the summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Gibbs-White

At the time of his £44.5m transfer to Forest, eyebrows were raised at the magnitude of the fee, but it’s safe to say the 25-year-old has justified every penny during his time at the City Ground.

The former Wolves star has posted a total of 18 goals and 26 assists for Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in his 118 appearances for the club, remaining as one of very few players left from their first season back in England’s top flight.

He’s even taken responsibility for being their club captain in recent times, leading the Reds to European football for the first time in three decades.

As good as his addition would be to Frank’s side this window, there are better deals to be had, especially given the drama the hierarchy currently face with Forest.

Mainoo could prove to be just that for the Lilywhites, already producing numerous high-profile feats that are arguably better than what Gibbs-White has achieved.

The youngster has already scored a key goal in a Europa League semi-final, whilst even being part of the England squad during the Euro 2024 tournament last summer.

His stats from the Premier League last season also highlight why he’d be a key addition, managing to outperform the 25-year-old in multiple areas that are crucial for a midfielder.

Mainoo, who’s been labelled “generational” by teammate Rasmus Hojlund, completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst completing more take-ons, evidently thriving with the ball at his feet.

Out of possession, he’s been just as dominant, winning more tackles per 90, whilst also registering a higher tally of recoveries – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option for Frank’s side.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the youngster would cost the Lilywhites this summer, it’s clear that he’s already a bigger talent than the Forest star – having the potential to improve further in the years ahead.

If the hierarchy could complete a deal for Mainoo’s signature, it would certainly be a statement signing, handing the new boss the talents he needs to be a success in North London.