Morgan Gibbs-White’s European Championships success with England under-21s has prompted claims the Nottingham Forest playmaker is ready to make the next step in his career.
The Reds’ record signing played a key role as England beat Spain 1-0 in Saturday’s final to win the tournament for the first time in 39 years, and the victory was a topic for discussion during BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
One of the podcast guests was ESPN's chief sports writer Mark Ogden, who claimed it could be time for Gibbs-White to move on from Forest.
The 23-year-old joined the Reds last summer from Wolves in a £25m deal that could yet rise to a significantly higher fee depending on performance-related add-ons, but Ogden believes he has already outgrown Forest.
READ MORE: MGW goes the extra mile to share Euros glory with young Forest supporters
READ MORE: Morgan Gibbs-White hailed after classy England gesture
"For me, I am really surprised he is still there," he said of the Stafford-born midfielder, who had an excellent first full season in the Premier League and played a significant part in Forest’s eventual survival after a 23-year exile from the top flight
He added: “No disrespect to Forest, but he had such a good season that I think he could do a job at a top-six club.
"He is a young, powerful and dynamic midfielder who is now knocking on the door of the England senior squad.
"I believe he can really step up this year. The second season is the one where people have to keep an eye out for you, but if he can repeat what he did, then he is destined for a top-six move."
With talk of Brennan Johnson also being a potential transfer target this summer, Forest fans will be understandably twitchy at talk of another of their star men moving on, but Gibbs-White has given no indication that he is looking elsewhere.
He registered three assists at the European Championships and scored England’s opening goal in their semi-final victory over Israel.
And he was quick to attribute his Premier League experience with Forest to his success with the Young Lions.
After the victory over Israel, Gibbs-White said: “I feel like this year and playing constant Premier League football has given me massive experience. Obviously there’s always room to improve, but I feel confident. I’m looking forward to next season.”
