Manchester City are reportedly planning to step up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old is understood to have emerged as one of multiple candidates who is expected to feature in the Citizens' transfer deliberations ahead of a much-anticipated squad rebuild.
A new era is underway at the Etihad Stadium as Hugo Viana has now started full-time work as Man City's new sporting director and will work alongside outgoing chief Txiki Begiristain during a transition period.
The addition of at least one new midfielder is thought to be high on City's agenda, as legendary playmaker Kevin De Bruyne will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
It has previously been reported that internal and external solutions are set to be explored by Pep Guardiola's side this summer, but whether Man City opt to recruit a like-for-like successor to De Bruyne or use existing personnel such as Phil Foden, and strengthen the first-team squad elsewhere, remains to be seen.
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Man City may also soon part ways with 30-year-old Bernardo Silva, who has regularly expressed his desire to return to boyhood club Benfica before he retires, while Ilkay Gundogan is set to remain at City for one more season, but he will turn 35 years of age in October this year.
Man City 'plan to advance' on Gibbs-White in 'next weeks'
Along with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who has been heavily linked with a big-money move to the Etihad, Forest star Gibbs-White remains on of Man City's 'priority targets' according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
It is also claimed that the Citizens plan to advance on the England international in the 'next weeks' and no issues are expected when negotiating personal terms with the player.
However, Man City still have 'work to do' when discussing a deal with Nottingham Forest, who are said to still have hope in keeping hold of their No.10, who is under contract at the City Ground until June 2027.
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Forest remain hopeful of keeping Man City-linked Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White has been a standout performer for a Forest outfit who have been the surprise packages in the Premier League this season and remain in contention to qualify for the 2025-26 Champions League, as they sit sixth in the Premier League table and level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea.
After starting out at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gibbs-White joined Forest in 2022 for an initial £25m, potentially rising to £42.5m with add-ons, and has since played 114 times for Nuno Espirito Santo's side in all competitions, chipping in with five goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League matches this term.
Forest understandably want to keep hold of Gibbs-White and securing Champions League football will seemingly strengthen their chances of fending off interest from other clubs in their star players.
It has previously been claimed that the Tricky Trees will demand around £100m for Gibbs-White, but whether Man City wish to meet that asking price, as well as potentially sign another £100m+ player such as Wirtz, remains to be seen.
Oliver Thomas
