Newcastle United ‘really like’ their own James Maddison amid Nottingham Forest FFP concerns

Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest talisman Morgan Gibbs-White, according to reports.

Rumours have been rife linking the 23-year-old with a St James’ Park switch this month. Signed from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £40million just 18 months ago, eyebrows were raised at the initial fee but he has proved the doubters wrong at the City Ground.

Gibbs-White was impressive during Forest’s 3-1 demolition job on Tyneside last month and would fill a gap in the Newcastle squad. The Magpies have not had a number 10 within their ranks since Eddie Howe’s appointment two years ago.

His arrival could signal a tactical rethink, with Gibbs-White acting as the midfield focal point for Forest. Newcastle were linked with James Maddison before his big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur but saw two advances rejected by Leicester City.

Adding Gibbs-White to their ranks would add a fresh dynamic for Howe’s setup but Financial Fair Play may thwart the Magpies. As it stands, Newcastle must sell before they can sign the England under-21 international, who has three goals and as many assists across all competitions this season.

But the Tricky Trees are also restricted by FFP/PSR restrictions and were slapped with a Premier League charge earlier this month. That could provide an opportunity for Newcastle to strike a deal for Gibbs-White at a reduced cost.

The Athletic claim Toon chiefs “really like” the Forest star despite Howe possibly needing to adjust his style of play should he arrive. Reporter Chris Waugh told Pod on the Tyne: “Someone they really like is Morgan Gibbs-White. He obviously played very well at St James’ Park on Boxing Day.

“He’s interesting because I think he would suggest that his best position is as a number 10. If he was to come in, Newcastle might have to change the way they play. But also I think Newcastle see him potentially playing as a number eight, almost as they saw James Maddison being able to play that role.

“Also, he can play out wide. You can adapt your style to a certain extent but he can also fit into the system that they’ve got. They really like him, as a lot of clubs do around England.”