Nottingham Forest are not giving up the pursuit of their top target from a Premier League rival…
What’s the word?
According to The Telegraph, the Tricky Trees are closing in on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ £40m valuation for Morgan Gibbs-White.
Having already seen numerous bids turned down, Steve Cooper seems intent on getting the deal done and securing his 13th signing of the summer.
It is widely thought that the midfielder is keen to join Forest and play under the Forest manager.
He can lift Lingard’s burden
With Forest falling to a disappointing opening day defeat at Newcastle United, it must be said that Cooper’s side looked rather toothless throughout.
Their main offensive threat and arguably their star man Jesse Lingard didn’t manage a single shot, lost all his duels and lost possession nine times, outlining a tough debut for the £200k-per-week man.
However, he was not the only one who put in a disappointing display, and although he did have a poor game, his willingness to get on the ball and try and make things happen cannot be sneered at.
If Cooper can add in another skilful midfielder who can ease some of Lingard’s burden and create another player who teams can worry about, perhaps both he and Gibbs-White would thrive off some added space and less burden to carry the team’s offensive threat.
With ten goals and eight assists for Sheffield United last season, it is clear that the Wolves man is happy to carry the burden of being the man to bag the goals. Only Billy Sharp scored more than the 22-year-old.
It was these performances that quickly earned him the title of a “hero” amongst his loan club’s supporters, a mantle he can quickly earn with similar performances at the City Ground to steer the club away from a potential relegation battle.
A “sensational” performer in the words of reporter Joe Edwards, this move could be the most important of Forest’s busy transfer window with the player's numbers reflecting that of an outstanding player.
Having created 16 big chances last year and missed a further eight big chances himself, it is clear that whilst his 18 goal contributions were impressive, he could so easily have more. However, this quality will come with time and if he is able to discover more consistency, he could be a sensational late signing for Cooper.
Although the fee may seem astronomical, if it can keep Forest afloat and allow Lingard to truly shine, it could end up being the biggest coup of any of their potential 13 signings this summer.
AND, in other news: Cooper could land his own N'Golo Kante with Forest swoop for £8.5m "true professional".