Nottingham Forest look to be fighting a losing battle when it comes to keeping Morgan Gibbs-White, with all indications pointing towards an eventual move to Tottenham.

To his credit, Gibbs-White has joined up with the squad in Portugal to continue pre-season training when he could’ve easily refused to take part to force a move through.

However, he remains likely to leave the City Ground this summer, with Nottingham Forest News revealing that Manchester City were put off returning for Gibbs-White due to his desire to make the switch to North London.

City may be in better shape than Spurs on paper, but a new report has indicated just why the Englishman is keen to ply his trade at The Lilywhites.

Why Morgan Gibbs-White is ‘excited about Tottenham move

Negotiations between the two clubs are in a tricky position right now, after Forest shut down communications with Spurs as the dispute over how they came to know about his £60m release clause continues.

For the player, though, agreeing to the Spurs move looks to have been a rather straightforward decision, with GIVEMESPORT providing information as to why Gibbs-White is so keen on the transfer.

The report said: “GMS sources have been informed that Gibbs-White, who played a crucial role in spearheading Nottingham Forest to European qualification during the 2024/25 campaign, wants to join Tottenham and is excited by the role put forward by Frank when the capital club initially tried to secure his services.

“GMS sources have been told that Tottenham’s interest and plans for Gibbs-White turned his head and gave him a vision of something different compared to what would be on offer at Manchester City, resulting in him prioritising a transfer to north London as he aims to prove he deserves to be involved at the 2026 World Cup.”

Pep Guardiola is known for his squad rotation so perhaps Gibbs-White is right to prefer a move to a club where he is likely to play more consistently.

Specifically under Thomas Frank, too, it seems as if Spurs’ new manager has already tailored a role for Gibbs-White in his tactical set-up.

Tottenham have a perfect role ready for Morgan Gibbs-White

Given the dispute between the two clubs, Evangelos Marinakis wants Gibbs-White to sign for Man City over Spurs, but it’s easy to understand why the midfield talisman has been tempted by Frank’s tactical plans.

Spurs have played one friendly so far this pre-season in the Dane’s first outing in his new job, where he seemed to have created a role that already looks perfect for Gibbs-White.

Explained by The Athletic: “The Dane is still experimenting with the team’s shape but it appeared that they were in a 4-3-3 which sometimes morphed into a 4-2-4.

“For example, in the first half, Alfie Devine operated in an advanced central midfield role ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Sarr but out of possession stepped up alongside striker Dominic Solanke.”

Gibbs-White has thrived under Nuno Espírito Santo in this advanced midfield role so there’s no reason why he couldn’t do the same for Spurs, with the additional chance to move alongside the striker on occasion giving him the chance to improve his goal tally.

Spurs still have plenty to do to bring Marinakis back to the negotiating table, but with Gibbs-White’s preference clear, the move is still very much on.