Nottingham Forest are now preparing to make a new bid for a “special” attacking midfielder, having already submitted one offer for his services.
Forest eyeing attacking midfielder despite Gibbs-White's new deal
Possibly Forest’s most important piece of business in the transfer window to date was securing Morgan Gibbs-White’s future at the City Ground, although talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan was left a little bemused by Evangelos Marinakis’ behaviour in the subsequent interview.
Jordan said: “The fact that he stood there and intimidated the hell out of the player, I think actually controlled the narrative.
“Marinakis is a strong character, like him or loathe him. Some of the things I think I’m quite impressed with him, other things I’m not so impressed with him about. He means what he says, and he’s a strong character.”
Marinakis was clearly determined to keep hold of Gibbs-White, but with the Tricky Trees set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, Nuno may need a deeper squad, and another attacking midfielder is of interest.
In an update on X, BBC reporter James Lewer has now revealed that Nottingham Forest are discussing making an improved bid for Manchester City’s James McAtee, having submitted an offer of around £25m for the attacker, which was knocked back by their Premier League rivals.
However, Man City may still be open to a sale this summer, should Forest be willing to increase their offer, with a fee of £35m being touted amid links to Tottenham Hotspur, while West Ham United and Everton have also been named as potential suitors.
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ByDominic LundJul 29, 2025 "Special" McAtee could excel at the City Ground
The 22-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s star-studded starting XI, but he has impressed at international level as of late, picking up one goal and two assists en-route to England U21s’ recent European Championships triumph.
The Salford-born midfielder was captain of the young Three Lions side, displaying his leadership abilities, while he has also received praise from Guardiola in the past, with the City boss describing the Englishman as a “special” player.
Despite not getting much of a look-in at City, the maestro already has a great deal of senior experience from his time with Sheffield United, picking up 14 goals and eight assists for the Blades across campaigns in both the Championship and the Premier League.
Given that game time at City has been so limited, however, making just 15 Premier League appearances last term, it is evident that McAtee needs to move on this summer, and there are clear signs he could excel at the City Ground.