Newcastle United given transfer approval for £60m star by former Premier League striker

Louis Saha has hailed Morgan Gibbs-White’s ability to “create chances” amid reported interest from Newcastle United.

Capable of playing as a No.10 or on the right, the 24-year-old is Nottingham Forest’s prized asset in their fight to stay up. The Tricky Trees are a point above the Premier League relegation zone, with Gibbs-White registering 12 goal contributions this season.

Eyebrows were raised when Forest stumped up to sign the midfielder for £42million almost two years ago. Gibbs-White had barely featured in the Premier League but starred at Championship level on loan at Sheffield United.

But the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has shone since his big-money move to become a top-flight star. Reports in recent months have named Gibbs-White as a potential target for Newcastle.

Eddie Howe does not have a natural No.10 in his squad and options on the right flank are limited, with question marks remaining about Miguel Almiron's future. Speaking to Sky Sports, former Manchester United striker Saha, who enjoyed a loan spell on Tyneside in the 90s, explained what qualities Gibbs-White could bring to the Magpies.

“He is a very impressive player,” he said. “I think he has shown talent but is also very aggressive, capable of getting the ball very high on the field for his strikers, so he provides a good link with Chris Wood at the top.

“He is a very good leader. He is capable of creating chances for people and he is very clever. I think he is on his way to maybe other suitors. I am very very impressed.”