Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who starred last season with seven goals and eight assists, is at the center of a tense standoff between Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs reportedly triggered his £60 million release clause, and the player was preparing for a medical under new manager Thomas Frank.

But the deal is currently in jeopardy as Nottingham Forest alleges that Tottenham have made an illegal approach engaging in “tapping up” by contacting Gibbs-White without Forest’s approval, in direct violation of Premier League Rule T.1, which prohibits clubs from negotiating with a contracted player without written consent. Moreover, Forest argue that the release clause and Tottenham’s bid details were confidential, further undermining the deal.

Officially, Forest have paused all talks with Spurs and are preparing a complaint to the Premier League, possibly even legal action. Although Spurs haven’t given an official response, reports indicate Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is furious and demanding remedies

Forest have formally lodged a complaint with the Premier League, and possibly the FA, over the perceived illicit contact and confidentiality breach.

Tottenham may choose to defend their approach or stop the bid even if they later intend to pay the clause properly. Despite the legal wrangle, the transfer is not dead yet. Depending on the outcome of Forest’s challenge, talks could resume though any delay will make Gibbs-White’s integration into Spurs’ pre-season plans more rushed.