Morgan Giggs-White makes decision over training boycott as Tottenham deal hangs in balance

Morgan Gibbs-White has reportedly decided against boycotting Nottingham Forest training as he began his pre-season preparations this week. Tottenham are pushing to sign Gibbs-White, who is keen to leave the City Ground, but the 25-year-old is only willing to do so on good terms with his current employers.

Spurs looked nailed on to sign Gibbs-White last week when it emerged that the north London side were willing to meet his widely-reported £60million release clause. But Forest, who are determined to keep hold of their talisman, have fought back by alleging that Tottenham made an illegal approach to sign him.

Forest fans may have feared Gibbs-White failing to report to the Nigel Doughty Academy for pre-season training. His absence could have ramped up the pressure on owner Evangelos Marinakis to sanction a move. Marinakis is reportedly prepared to spend 'significant sums of money' to prove Spurs were out of line in their attempt to sign Gibbs-White.

Despite the ongoing drama, various reports indicate that the player has linked up with his Forest team-mates as they look to get back up to speed in time for the new season.

It has been theorised that Gibbs-White would be within his rights to put forward a legal case against Forest for blocking his exit despite Spurs' willingness to meet his £60m release clause. But that seems unlikely given his desire to maintain a friendly relationship with those at the club.

Gibbs-White scored seven goals and registered eight assists in the Premier League last season, earning him admiring glances from Manchester City in the early stages of the summer window.

Forest agreed a total package worth £42.5m to sign Gibbs-White from Wolves in 2022, with £25m paid up front and a further £17.5m made up of performance-related add-ons. And although the proposed Spurs move would see them turn a profit, City Ground chiefs want to retain the midfielder for an upcoming campaign in which the Tricky Trees will hope to compete in Europe.

After finishing seventh last term, Forest secured a place in the UEFA Conference League play-offs, with a two-legged qualification tie set to take place in late August. It remains to be seen whether Gibbs-White will be involved, or whether he will have joined up with new Tottenham boss Thomas Frank to become part of his new project in north London.