Nottingham Forest join battle to sign “monster” Gibbs-White replacement

With Morgan Gibbs-White attracting plenty of interest, Nottingham Forest could welcome an impressive replacement, having reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star.

Nottingham Forest join hectic race

Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side were back to their ruthless best against Ipswich Town, entering the break three goals to the good before adding a fourth to secure a 4-2 victory in the second-half. Gunning towards shock Champions League qualification, the awoken Midlands giants now sit as many as six points clear of fifth-place Manchester City.

By securing their place among Europe’s elite, Nottingham Forest could also go in search of Europe’s top talents with names such as Tammy Abraham and Hugo Bueno mentioned in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, those at the City Ground could yet fall victim to their own success amid Manchester United’s reported interest in signing Gibbs-White this summer. The attacking midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season and now finds himself on the radar of the Premier League’s top sides.

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There’s no doubt that his exit would deal Espirito Santo a major blow, but it’s one that those in the Midlands could instantly ease by signing a rising star this summer.

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Semih Kilicsoy alongside Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Everton. Besiktas reportedly value their 19-year-old sensation at just €20m (£17m), which is set to ignite a battle between Premier League sides in the coming months.

For such a price, Forest could seal a deal destined to become a bargain in years to come. Kilicsoy is already leaving his mark on the Turkish Super Lig and has all the attributes needed to replace a player of Gibbs-White’s calibre. Whether Forest step up their interest remains to be seen, however.

“Monster” Kilicsoy could replace Gibbs-White

If Forest lose their talisman this summer then Kilicsoy could quickly emerge to hand Espirito Santo an ideal replacement. A winger who can also play as a striker, there’s no reason why the teen’s stocky and powerful build won’t see him step into a deeper role throughout his career, although that is one Besiktas or his potential suitors must experiment with.

Meanwhile, in his natural role, Kilicsoy has thrived. Following 15 goal involvements last season, the talented Besiktas star has scored six goals and assisted a further four in the current campaign to earn the praise of analyst Ben Mattinson. The scout had nothing but good things to say, describing him as a “physical monster”.

In comparison, Gibbs-White has scored five goals and assisted a further seven for Nottingham Forest this season – highlighting just how important he’s been under Espirito Santo in his side’s push for Champions League qualification.