Evangelos Marinakis has been enjoying winning both the battle and the war with Tottenham over Morgan Gibbs-White.

The Nottingham Forest owner aimed a dig at Spurs for their failed pursuit of his captain after the latter committed his future to the club.

3

Gibbs-White looked to be heading to north London earlier this month after Tottenham thought they had activated his £60million release clause.

Spurs had pencilled in a medical for the 25-year-old to take place, only for the deal to be put on hold.

Forest lodged a legal complaint after believing the approach from Thomas Frank’s side was illegal.

Any hope of the Champions League outfit resurrecting the transfer was officially ended after Gibbs-White signed a new three-year deal.

However, Forest owner Marinakis couldn’t resist a parting shot at Tottenham as part of his skipper’s extension announcement.

Marinakis said: “As long as I’m in charge of all of these actions, approaches should take place, I repeat, in an appropriate manner.

“I would never let anyone from any other team get a player from us or make something we don’t agree with.

“And especially, as I said, with some guys that they belong to our family.

“Therefore, with Morgan, it didn’t take long to come to an agreement. It was a very short conversation, full of passion and love for the club.

“When you’re passionate and truly love something, making decisions takes just a few seconds. Our supporters should understand that this person genuinely cares about the club.”

3

The 57-year-old added: “Morgan is a special player – not just in terms of talent, but character and mentality.

“He represents everything we want this football club to be: he is a winner, talented, ambitious, fearless, and proud.

“There was a lot of interest from different clubs, but our aim was to shape the future with Morgan at its core. I assured our fans that we would not only stay competitive, but also become stronger with each season. Today’s development marks a significant advance in that direction.”

Gibbs-White was alongside the Forest owner to confirm his long-term future with the Reds and stay at the City Ground until 2028.

Amid numerous references to ‘Mr Marinakis’, the England international spoke of his delight at his new deal.

The midfielder said: “I’m delighted, so thank you to Mr Marinkais, for believing in me.

3

“I feel like we’ve been on a roller coaster of a journey, but I’ve felt the love instantly from the very first moment I stepped through the doors.”

He added to the club’s website: “I’ve felt at home at Forest from the moment I arrived.

“The support from the fans, my teammates, and everyone around the club has been unbelievable.

“I have faith in what we’re creating here, and with Mr. Marinakis’s support and his vast ambitions, I want to contribute to achieving something remarkable.”

“I’m excited for what’s to come.”

talkSPORT understands that Gibbs-White’s new deal does not contain a release clause.

He showed his love for Forest during the club’s 0-0 draw with Monaco last weekend.

As he headed down the tunnel after the first half, he signalled a love heart towards the fans, which was then used as part of his contract announcement on social media.

Gibbs-White is currently with his teammates in the Algarve as part of their pre-season camp in Portugal.