Tottenham boss Thomas Frank refused to be drawn into a conversation about Morgan Gibbs-White as he broke his silence on the player. Spurs have reportedly been accused by Nottingham Forest of ‘illegally approaching’ the winger after triggering his £60million release clause.

Gibbs-White joined Forest from Wolves three years ago and has gone on to bag 18 goals and 28 assists in 118 games for his current team. He enjoyed a sensational campaign last time around as he contributed seven goals and 10 assists in the Premier League to help his team secure a seventh-place finish. But his future is now up in the air, despite the fact he still has another two years remaining on his contract.

According to Sky Sports, Forest have written to Tottenham and Gibbs-White’s agent and have threatened legal action over what they believe to be an unlawful approach to sign the attacking player.

The East Midlands giants have made it clear that they are willing to take punitive action via the Premier League and the law courts.

The report claims that Tottenham believe they have done nothing wrong and retain an interest in signing the England international.

Frank addressed members of the media during his first press conference as Tottenham boss on Friday ahead of his team’s pre-season friendly with Reading.

And after being asked about Gibbs-White, the 51-year-old explained: “You know me well so I will use what I've always said and that is that I won't speak about players from outside the club.”

Gibbs-White is believed to be keen to leave the City Ground this summer, but has reportedly decided not to boycott training in an attempt to push through a transfer.

And his sentiments appear to have changed significantly over the last year, with the star telling The Telegraph last August: “A lot has happened since I’ve come here, I’ve definitely grown up a lot and Forest have been the perfect club for me.

“I’ve loved every single second being a Forest player. It’s difficult leaving your boyhood club, and the place where I grew up, but I knew it was a step I had to make.

“I was young, immature and inexperienced at Wolves, and when you’re that age you don’t realise that’s why you’re not getting consecutive game-time. As a kid I didn’t realise that.

“Now I’ve got that experience playing every week at this level and I’m honoured and proud to wear this shirt.”