Tottenham Hotspur’s right wing-back problem can be resolved by Djed Spence, claims Alan Hutton.

The Lowdown: Right wing-back issue

Tottenham have found themselves in a position where they have three right wing-backs but all three have so far been unable to convince Antonio Conte that they can hold down the role.

Predominately throughout the season the position has been given to Emerson Royal who started seven of the opening eight games of the campaign before being sent off against Arsenal in the Premier League back in October.

That meant Matt Doherty stepped in but despite three starts in a row, the Brazilian was handed his place back.

Amid the third option Spence playing just five games all season, failing to start a single one.

The Latest: Hutton’s comments

Football Insider previously reported on New Years’ Eve that Spurs are willing to sell Emerson due to a training ground bust-up, with the 23-year-old incidentally not starting a game since.

This led former-Spurs right-back Hutton to tell Football Insider that Conte already has a replacement for Emerson in the Englishman.

“Emerson Royal for me has just not worked. I think you do know what you are going to get with Doherty.

“I think Spence is unfortunate because I really think he could be the guy. I think he has got all the attributes to push forward.

“I think if they are looking at somebody to come in as well, somebody has to go. You can’t have four, that is just silly. So you would like to think that one would leave,” Hutton said.

The Verdict: Interesting transfer window

Spurs only just turned the corner on their record of conceding the opening goal in the 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, which brought an end to the 10-game run.

The right wing-back role was taken up by Doherty who even scored as he started his third-game in a row, with Emerson not recalled following the alleged bust-up.

However, Spence, who is valued at £7 million (CIES Football Observatory), was an unused sub for the eighth time this league campaign as he’s evidently still yet to convince Conte of his credentials.

With the January window looming it does seem increasingly likely that at least one of the three will depart with Spence or Emerson the most expendable on recent selection. Indeed, it has come out that Djed Spence supposedly wants a loan move away this month, with the need for regular football being one of the main drivers in this.