Manchester United Sound Out Morgan Gibbs-White as Nottingham Forest Set High Price

Manchester United are reported to have made an initial approach to sign Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White as part of preparations for a possible departure of Bruno Fernandes. Reports circulating say the team nicknamed the Red Devils have begun mapping out options to strengthen their forward line in the future.

According to a report by TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, United have conveyed their interest to Forest. Gibbs-White, who is 26 years old, is on their target list if Fernandes decides to leave Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Fernandes himself is reported to still prefer to stay, so United are preparing various scenarios.

Forest have no intention of letting the England international go in the January transfer window. The club coached by Oliver Glasner want to keep Gibbs-White to improve their position in the standings, not to strengthen a rival. As a show of commitment, Forest have tied Gibbs-White to a long-term contract worth £150,000 per week.

United's interest in Gibbs-White is not without reason. The player once described as 'highly underrated' has proven his quality in the English league with Forest. His experience in England's elite competition is an added value, especially because United need a figure capable of creating chances and taking responsibility in the attacking line.

However, United's move to get Gibbs-White will not be easy. Besides having to convince Forest, who are reluctant to let go of a key player, United also need to resolve internal issues, including the future of manager Michael Carrick and the club's spending plans. Carrick himself is under pressure after a series of poor results, with United yet to win in seven Premier League matches and now sitting in 17th place.

On the other side, Tottenham Hotspur are still monitoring Gibbs-White's development. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is reported to want to add strength in midfield after their attempt in 2025 came to nothing. The competition to secure Gibbs-White's signature could heat up if Forest open the door to negotiations.

"United have made an enquiry to sign Gibbs-White, but Forest are determined to keep him at least until the end of the season," the gist of Bailey's report said.

For United, signing Gibbs-White would be a strategic step to reduce their dependence on Fernandes. However, with Gibbs-White's contract still long and Forest's firm stance, United may have to be patient or look for other alternatives. The decision on the future of Fernandes and the manager will strongly influence the direction of the club's transfer policy.

Going forward, will United be able to convince Forest to let Gibbs-White go, or will they have to switch to another target? The answer will depend on the dynamics at Old Trafford and how Forest keep hold of their star.