Sky Sports News reporter Michael Bridge has delivered the latest transfer news regarding Tottenham’s pursuit of Djed Spence.
The Lowdown: Deal close?
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Spurs ever since he helped Nottingham Forest gain promotion to the Premier League at the end of last season, with Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder even admitting that the right-back wanted out on Teesside.
Speculation that a move to N17 was imminent increased after it was revealed on Monday that he hadn’t been included in Boro’s squad for their pre-season trip to Portugal, but it sounds as though there is still plenty of work for the Lilywhites to do before securing the services of their long-time target.
The Latest: Bridge contradicts done deal reports
Speaking live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), Bridge claimed that reports of a move being close last week were false, but stated that all parties are still very much keen on the switch. He said:
“Djed Spence is something that’s gone on all summer, it’s a player Spurs have wanted for quite some time, they’ve liked him for a long time as well.
“Talks are still continuing and I know there were reports last week that a deal is extremely close, my understanding is it wasn’t.
“I know that both clubs would like to get this done as soon as possible, I think the player would like to join Tottenham, he’s made that very clear to his representatives and Middlesbrough that he wants to join Tottenham, but a fee is still being discussed and we’re not yet at the end of this transfer.”
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The Verdict: Perfect fit for Conte
Whilst the valuation still remains an issue, the fact that Spence has shown his desire to join Spurs will be appreciated by Antonio Conte, and Fabio Paratici needs to get this deal wrapped up as soon as possible.
The England U21 international significantly contributed to Forest’s promotion last term, clocking up five assists and getting on the scoresheet twice himself in the Championship, via Transfermarkt, all from that wing-back position, a role vitally important to the Italian’s attacking formation.
It yet remains to be seen how long this will take to get completed, but it’s important that Spence has enough time to link up with the rest of the squad and get a good pre-season under his belt before the start of the new campaign.