As per London World, a promising transfer update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur, Antonio Conte and Middlesborough defender Djed Spence.
The Lowdown: Spurs join race…
First reported by Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, sharing news on his personal Twitter feed, Spurs and transfer chief Fabio Paratici have joined the race to sign Spence amid his impressive stint on loan at Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old has been turning heads at the City Ground under Steve Cooper, attracting the attention of major Premier League clubs as Conte seeks out new right-back options.
Any deal to sign Spence this window would result in the player remaining at Forest until the end of the season and then joining in the summer, but that hasn’t swayed Spurs as they take a firm interest.
The Latest: Spurs ‘edging closer’…
According to London World, Tottenham are ‘edging closer’ to their ‘first January signing’ as Conte personally eyes a move for the Englishman.
The Italian is said to be ‘unimpressed’ with current right-back options Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal as he takes to the market in search of alternatives.
Spence, as a result, could ‘answer Conte’s prayers’ with his pace and delivery on that side – but north London rivals Arsenal are also still in contention for the starlet as things stand.
The Verdict: Exciting player…
The Boro man’s form on loan at Forest this season has been terrific, leaving little wonder there are now major players in the hunt for his signature this month.
Defensively, according to WhoScored, he’s shown real solidarity – averaging the third-most interceptions per 90 out of Cooper’s side in the Championship this campaign (1.6).
Meanwhile, going forward, Spence has been a constant threat – completing more dribbles per 90 (1.8) than any Forest regular with more than two league starts (WhoScored).
His form has attracted real praise, with Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff saying he has been a ‘massive player’ for the English second tier side and could well continue to be in their hunt for a Championship play-off spot (Sky Sports EFL Podcast via Football League World).
According to journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express, Spence could cost up to £15 million, but a player of his high ceiling may well be worth the investment,
In other news: Reliable journalist: ‘Perfect’ player once valued at £83m now wants to join Conte at Spurs, find out more here.
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