Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly rekindled interest in James McAtee after being snubbed by Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham Hotspur have wasted little time in redirecting their midfield focus after missing out on long-time target Morgan Gibbs-White, with James McAtee now emerging as a serious option.

Spurs had been confident of securing Gibbs-White but were caught off guard when Nottingham Forest announced a surprise contract extension for the 25-year-old over the weekend. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis played a decisive role in convincing his captain to stay put at the City Ground, despite the player initially expressing interest in a move to North London.

No time to waste

While the turn of events disappointed those at Hotspur Way, there is no time to dwell. Tottenham are now accelerating talks with alternative targets, having quietly maintained discussions in the background in case the Gibbs-White deal fell through.

Manchester City’s James McAtee and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons are among the names already discussed by Tottenham chiefs, including sporting director Johan Lange, who is known for operating decisively once the green light is given.

“Tottenham were confident and hopeful regarding Gibbs-White,” Graeme Bailey told TBR Football before adding, “It is a blow to their plans, but they are ready to move on very quickly.”

Creativity urgently needed at Spurs

That urgency was plain to see in Saturday’s pre-season double-header. With James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski sidelined through injury, Tottenham struggled to create in both a 2-2 draw against Wycombe Wanderers and a goalless outing against Luton Town.

Just three big chances were created across both matches, a worrying return considering the level of opposition. Thomas Frank, who is already facing scrutiny over attacking depth, will be eager to see reinforcements arrive before the season kicks off.

McAtee, 21, is seen as a technically gifted and versatile attacking midfielder who could complement Spurs’ young core while filling the creative void in Maddison’s absence. With City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool having already wrapped up much of their key transfer business, Tottenham must now respond.

The club cannot afford to delay, especially with several creative midfielders still available and competition intensifying. Tottenham’s intent to move swiftly for McAtee suggests the club is still serious about backing Thomas Frank in the market. After the frustration of the Gibbs-White saga, securing a rising talent like McAtee could help reframe the summer narrative.