‘Strong interest’: Man Utd set sights on ‘shock’ deal for Premier League captain who has a release clause

Manchester United have established a ‘strong interest’ in a deal for Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White.That’s according to MailSport, which adds that the Red Devils’ ‘shock’ desire to sign the midfielder comes after a number of their Premier League rivals shortlisted the star, including Manchester City. 🔴 UTD CONFIDENTIAL 🔴 🌳 Fight to land Gibbs-White💰 Will wages scupper summer moves?🇲🇦 Maz’s mixed zone gesture 🏆 Chido eyes QUADRUPLE📚 Bruno helps academy ace W/@ChrisWheelerDM #mufc https://t.co/PS6OnKO0nC — Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) February 24, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYUnited and Gibbs-White: What’s being said?(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)The Blues being among Gibbs-White’s suitors could prove to be an obstacle for United, given the Etihad outfit will be able to match the player’s wage demands, whereas INEOS have set new salary limitations for any signings made under their ownership. Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, all of whom arrived at Old Trafford last summer, are all thought to be on around £150,000 per week, which is what Gibbs-White is currently earning at Forest following his lucrative contract extension in July 2025.Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis personally intervened to try and get the coveted 26-year-old to stay when Tottenham Hotspur activated his then-£60 million release clause. Eventually, he was persuaded to stay put at the City Ground, though it’s believed that his new terms also contain an unspecified release clause.How might United facilitate a deal for Gibbs-White?(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)United are poised to receive a £100m financial boost themselves should they finish in the Champions League places come the end of 2025/2026, while even qualifying for the competition in the first place will aid their attempts to sign their targets in the transfer window.Last year, the likes of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres were deterred by the fact that United had no European football to offer this season. However, their rejections have since proven to be blessings in disguise, as Benjamin Sesko is younger than both and is really starting to kick on in the Premier League, scoring five goals in his last six appearances.