Nottingham Forest are reportedly ready to fend off Liverpool if they express an interest in one of their star players.
The East Midlands outfit are currently enjoying one of their most memorable campaigns in a generation, defying pre-season relegation predictions to challenge for Champions League qualification.
With nine matches remaining, Forest sit seven points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League standings, the current anticipation being that a top-five finish will be enough to earn a place at European football's top table.
However, the downside to Forest's outstanding form during 2024-25 will be higher-profile clubs ramping up interest in their squad during the summer transfer window.
That said, according to Football Insider, club officials will do everything possible to keep arguably their biggest asset at the City Ground.
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Forest to shun Gibbs-White interest?
The report claims that Forest are willing to fight their corner when it comes to trying to retain the services of Morgan Gibbs-White.
Having reached a stage where he has just over two years remaining on his contract, teams are naturally monitoring the situation ahead of potentially trying to negotiate a deal.
Since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers for the City Ground, the 25-year-old has contributed 16 goals and 25 assists from his 107 appearances in all competitions.
Such has been his consistent form that there was outrage at his shock omission from Thomas Tuchel's first England squad until he was named as the replacement for the injured Cole Palmer.
As per the same outlet, Liverpool are admirers of Gibbs-White and are contemplating whether to make an approach for his signature ahead of 2025-26.
Forest are expected to respond with the offer of a new contract, regardless of whether they achieve qualification for the Champions League, another competition or miss out altogether.
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Where would Gibbs-White fit in at Anfield?
Despite his exploits at Forest, it is questionable whether Gibbs-White would earn a place in Arne Slot's first-choice Liverpool XI.
Dominik Szoboszlai is cemented as the most advanced option of Slot's midfield three, while Mohamed Salah will remain as the mainstay on the right flank if he pens a new contract.
Unless another Champions League-participating club enters the race, it may make sense for Gibbs-White to stay put and remain on Forest's journey under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Darren Plant
