Nottingham Forest ‘close’ to signing long-term transfer target

Nottingham Forest are reportedly ‘close’ to completing a deal for long-term transfer target Morgan Gibbs-White as the club continue their squad rebuild ready for the Premier League.

Manager Steve Cooper has been busy in the transfer window, already adding a total of 11 new players to his squad ahead of the start of the season in just under two weeks’ time. Forest kick off their campaign at Newcastle United, and after an active transfer window, the starting XI is set to look very different to that which earned promotion through the play-offs back in May.

Just after Forest made it back to the promised land, they were heavily linked with an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. The 22-year-old impressed while on loan at Sheffield United last season, scoring against the Reds in the play-off semi-final.

Forest are not alone in their interest with Everton and Crystal Palace also linked, but Wolves are said to be keen to keep hold of the player. It is said Wolves have already turned down an Everton bid of around £25m for the youngster, instead hoping to get nearer £30m.

Reports now suggest Forest may have be a step closer to signing their target, with the Guardian’s Ali Martin claiming they are ‘very close’ to signing the England Under-21 international.

The journalist is the paper’s cricket correspondent, but is a Forest fan. “For those who like their football rumours from a cricket correspondent, hearing Forest are v close to completing a deal for Morgan Gibbs-White #nffc,” he wrote on his Twitter account.

Gibbs-White has been involved in Wolves’ pre-season tour in Spain over the last couple of weeks, and has said he has a ‘big season ahead’ of him. He scored 12 goals and provided 10 assists