Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds United and Arsenal are reportedly set for a three-way battle in the race to sign Djed Spence.
According to Sky Sports, Djed Spence has become one of the most sought-after players in the Championship. The Middlesbrough right-back, currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, is courted by multiple clubs across England, including Premier League bigwigs Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Leeds United.
Tottenham have shown the most concrete interest in the player and are even mulling over a move in the January transfer window. The Lilywhites are in the market for a new right wing-back as Antonio Conte looks to shore up his options amid the uncertain future of several wide players, including Matt Doherty.
The Irishman is clearly not favoured by Conte and was linked with a return to Wolves earlier in the window. His departure should pave the way for Tottenham to add a new face for the right wing-back slot. In addition to Spence, Spurs are in contention to sign Adama Traore, who has emerged as quite the hot prospect in the market this January.
Another potential destination for Spence is the Emirates. Arsenal were one of the first teams to express interest in the Middlesbrough talent this month as they look for a more attacking alternative for makeshift right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu. Mikel Arteta is also preparing for life without Cedric Soares, who has emerged as a target for Atletico Madrid.
However, one club that could truly make a solid case for signing Djed Spence is Leeds United. The Whites have endured a disappointing season, with a majority of their defensive options struggling with injuries, including right-back Luke Ayling.
Spence, to that end, could add some much-needed depth in the squad for Marcelo Bielsa, though the Argentine has been targeting other options as well, including Jason Knight of Derby County.
That said, the report suggests that even though Djed Spence is available in January, he will likely remain at Nottingham Forest throughout the remainder of the campaign. He has already represented two teams this season, thereby making him ineligible to play for a third club.
It could be a major blow for Tottenham, Arsenal and Leeds, knowing almost all of them are in immediate need of a new right-back. Fortunately for them, they have no shortage of alternatives in the market, although it won’t be surprising to see clubs like Tottenham secure his services regardless before he starts to attract more attention in the summer.
