Premier League duo Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur will go head to head in their efforts to land Djed Spence in the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Football Insider, Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence is a wanted man this summer, with Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur keen to secure his signature.
The 21-year-old spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest, aiding them in securing promotion to the Premier League. Steve Cooper’s side also made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, losing to eventual winners Liverpool at home.
Primarily a right-back, Spence can also function as a wing-back. His ability to run up and down the wing, contributing at both ends of the pitch has not gone unnoticed. It is fashionable to be a full-back once again and players capable of performing at the highest level in the position are worth their weight in gold.
Tottenham are keen to strengthen their squad after securing qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League. The Italian prefers to deploy a 3-5-2 formation where his wing-backs are allowed the freedom to run forward and function as secondary wingers. Conte had to make do with what he had last season but appears to be keen to upgrade his options this summer.
Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic is closing in on a move to Tottenham and will serve as their new left wing-back next season. The Croatian has thrived in the role for the Nerazzurri and, despite his age, has a few years left in him at the top level. Adding the 33-year-old to the roster that too on a free will be excellent business indeed.
Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal have had their moments on the right flank, but neither has shown enough to suggest that they can fulfil Conte’s gameplans. A pacy player with good defensive acumen, Spence is also an excellent dribbler and has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way player for Spurs.
Despite not being proven at the top level, the 21-year-old’s potential is good enough for teams to take a gamble. Brentford are another side in the race and will be keen to consolidate their position as a Premier League club. Thomas Frank employs a fast-paced attacking system and could do with a player of Spence’s abilities. They are already in talks for the player and will do well to strike while the iron is hot.
Middlesbrough are not averse to selling their star man and are hoping to recoup at least £15 million. With Nottingham Forest also in the fray, the Championship side can hope for a bidding war that can work to their benefit. Given the quoted price and Spence’s potential, all three teams would be well advised to take a punt on the rising young star.