Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as frontrunners to sign Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence, who is open to moving to the north London club.
According to football.london, Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence, who is on the radars of multiple clubs in the Premier League, is interested in joining Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old spent last season out on loan at Nottingham Forest and played a critical role in helping the Reds win promotion back to the Premier League via playoffs, with Steve Cooper’s side defeating Huddersfield Town in the final this past weekend. Spence made 50 appearances in all competitions in 2021/22 for Nottingham Forest, scoring three goals and setting up five more.
Spence’s performances in the EFL Championship have put him on the radars of several top clubs in England and Europe, including Tottenham Hotspur. Apart from the Lilywhites, the English prospect is also attracting interest from Brentford, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma. Nottingham Forest are also keen on signing him permanently.
However, Tottenham have now emerged as the frontrunners to capture the signing of Spence, as the 21-year-old is keen on completing a switch to the north London outfit. Spurs’ director Fabio Paratici has scouted the Middlesbrough prospect personally this season and is intent on getting the deal over the line as manager Antonio Conte seeks an upgrade in the right wing-back position.
Tottenham signed Emerson Royal last year, but the Brazilian has failed to make the desired impact and could leave before the upcoming season. Matt Doherty has not performed convincingly enough to make the first-choice spot his own, leaving the Lilywhites looking into the market for an upgrade.
And Tottenham believe that they have found their man in the immensely talented Spence. The 21-year-old would add to the club’s homegrown quota of players. At £16 million, would represent a value-for-money signing as he is brimming with potential and is still very much in the burgeoning stages of his career.
Antonio Conte is not exactly known for backing youth, but the Italian put his faith in Ryan Sessegnon in the second half of the 2021/22 season. And having seen the England Under-21 international thrive under the manager, Spence is now keen on making the switch to Tottenham to work under the former Inter Milan boss.
Tottenham have already closed their first signing of the summer, with Ivan Perisic arriving on a free transfer to strengthen the left wing-back spot. They are now hoping to land Spence to bolster their options on the opposite flank, although a decision on the move is not expected for two weeks with the youngster currently away on England Under-21 duty.