Nottingham Forest could lose two star players to Man City this summer, with the Sky Blues showing strong interest in both players, according to a new report.
Forest play in Fenerbahce’s test after Liverpool defeat
It’s been a long seven days for Forest.
Expectations were modest when Vitor Pereira walked through the doors at the City Ground earlier this month, replacing the sacked Sean Dyche as the club’s fourth manager in a chaotic season. Keep them, steady the ship, stop the rot.
What happened in his first game exceeded almost anyone’s expectations.
Forest traveled to Istanbul to take on Fenerbahce in the first leg of their Europa League knockout stage, a club Pereira has managed twice in his career, and they defeated them with surprising ease.
Murillo took the lead with a long-range shot in the 21st minute, Igor Jesus increased the lead to two before half-time, and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed a 3-0 win with a third goal early in the second half.
The player wants to leave Nottingham Forest permanently and terms have already been discussed with the club.
His wish is to leave the City Ground behind.
This was the club’s biggest away win in European history. Pereira was clear about the message he gave his team: express yourself, play with confidence and enjoy the game.
The momentum continued the following Sunday, when Liverpool arrived at the City Ground for Pereira’s first home game.
Forest played well in a long game, denying Arne Slott’s title-chasing side a single shot on target in the first half. The visitors looked uncomfortable and disorganized, but Forest had every right to hope for at least one goal.
they got nothing.
Alexis Mac Allister scored with seven minutes left in stoppage time to snatch a deserved 1-0 victory. Jamie Carragher described it as one of the most blatant thefts of the season.
Forest remain two points above the relegation zone and Thursday’s Europa League second leg against Fenerbahce at the City Ground, with a 3-0 lead all but guaranteed to advance, provides an immediate opportunity to lift spirits before the domestic grind resumes.
Last week saw some real optimism thanks to football, but news coming out of Old Trafford and the Etihad threatens to cast a shadow on Pereira’s rebuilding project.
Man City eye double deals for Forest stars Gibbs-White and Anderson
News from Germany earlier this week suggested that Arnaud Calimendo had his sights firmly set on leaving the forest permanently, and news of further departures has followed.
According to TEAMtalk, Man City are leading the race to sign Elliott Anderson, but are also in the race for Morgan Gibbs-White, who is vying to sign him with Man United.
Pep Guardiola’s side are thought to be targeting both players this summer, with both players “100 per cent” set to leave the City Ground if Forest are relegated to the Championship.
Gibbs-White was Forest’s Europa League captain in Istanbul, making 155 appearances for the club, scoring 26 goals and providing 33 assists.
A key detail that makes a move for the Englishman particularly realistic is the proposed release clause in Gibbs-White’s contract, which is understood to be triggered for a fee in the region of £80m if a Champions League-qualified club comes calling.
Meanwhile, Anderson could cost more than £100m to knock on Thomas Tuchel’s door with a bid to join England’s World Cup squad.
The former Newcastle star has been one of the shining lights in Forest’s frantic campaign and there are overwhelming expectations that he will start the summer auction.
City already appear to be at the front of the queue, and signing both Gibbs-White and Anderson would be a significant statement of intent.
Nottingham Forest look to sign Lyon star to prevent double signing of Crystal Palace and Texter
Tricky trees can ruin their plans.
