Report: Tottenham Eye Elliott as Gibbs-White Deal Collapses | OneFootball

Gibbs-White U-turn leaves Tottenham searching for answers

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of midfield reinforcement has taken a sharp turn after the long-running Morgan Gibbs-White saga ended in disappointment, with the player unexpectedly opting to extend his stay at Nottingham Forest. Spurs, now forced to recalibrate their transfer strategy, have turned their attention towards Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as a potential solution.

Tottenham had prioritised the acquisition of Gibbs-White throughout the summer window. At 25, the Nottingham Forest midfielder was seen as an ideal candidate to fill a creative void and contribute immediately. However, after weeks of negotiations and quiet optimism in North London, Forest confirmed the player’s new deal — a development that blindsided those within Spurs’ recruitment setup.

While the decision to remain at the City Ground is believed to have been driven by Gibbs-White’s affinity for the project under Nuno Espírito Santo, the timing has left Tottenham in a precarious position. With the new Premier League season fast approaching, fans are rightly questioning the club’s direction, especially with just one major signing — Mohammed Kudus — secured to date.

Harvey Elliott emerges as a possible midfield target

Sources suggest Spurs are actively considering other creative midfielders, and Harvey Elliott has emerged as one name on their shortlist. The 21-year-old, a key figure in England’s victorious U21 European Championship squad, could be allowed to leave Liverpool this summer in pursuit of regular football.

Despite showing promise in pre-season under new manager Arne Slot, Elliott’s campaign was hindered by a fractured foot, limiting him to just 371 Premier League minutes last term. Over the two seasons prior, he featured in 29 league starts, becoming a trusted option under Jürgen Klopp during crunch moments.

The midfielder’s technical skill and positional versatility make him an intriguing candidate. Operating primarily from the right of a midfield three or as a playmaker behind the forwards, Elliott is known for his incisive passing and ability to unlock defences. At youth level and in brief senior flashes, he’s demonstrated maturity and tactical intelligence well beyond his years.

Spurs fans remain divided on Elliott links

However, any prospective move for Elliott would not come without scrutiny. The player has history with the Tottenham fanbase stemming from an incident in 2019, when he was handed a two-week suspension for mocking Harry Kane in a social media video. While Elliott issued an apology at the time, some within the Spurs community have not forgotten.

For many, the issue is less about off-field incidents and more about on-field productivity. With limited minutes last season and questions over whether he can command a regular Premier League role, doubts remain about whether Elliott represents the level of investment required for a club with Champions League aspirations.

Tottenham’s window hangs in the balance

As the Gibbs-White deal fades into the distance, Tottenham’s ability to regroup and strengthen effectively will define their start to the campaign. The need for midfield invention is obvious, and while Elliott brings potential, he also represents a gamble.

The club is expected to continue exploring alternatives as the window edges towards its conclusion. Whether Elliott becomes the chosen option will depend on multiple factors — not least Liverpool’s valuation and the appetite within Spurs to move quickly.