New Tottenham Hotspur arrival Djed Spence will find it ‘tough’ to break into Antonio Conte’s favoured starting XI and may even seek a loan move in January, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Spence’s move

After a series of protracted negotiations, it was announced in July that Spurs had signed the 22-year-old from Championship side Middlesbrough in a deal worth £20m.

However, since arriving at Hotspur Way, the right-back has failed to make an immediate impression on the Lilywhites boss, with Conte even admitting he wasn't a signing he wanted.

As a result, he has featured for just one minute thus far in any competition, having also been omitted from Tottenham’s squad entirely for half of their Premier League fixtures this season.

The Latest: Loan required?

Jones believes Spence will find it tough to force his way into Spurs’ starting XI and thus suggests a January loan move could be an option for the youngster.

Speaking with GiveMeSport, the transfer insider claimed:

“If Djed Spence is going to break through, he’s got to earn it.

“It might be the Carabao Cup is his platform but, ultimately, I think this season’s going to be a tough one for him to make a name for himself in that Tottenham team.

“It might even be that he has loan enquiries when we get to January.”

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The Verdict: Big potential

After an FA Cup game between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest last season saw the Premier League favourites knocked out of the competition, Gunners legend Ian Wright showered praise on the young full-back, who was spending the campaign on loan with the Tricky Trees.

"If we are talking about right-backs performing at an unbelievable level, we're talking Reece James and Trent (Alexander-Arnold)," Wright said.

"But I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.”

At the moment, Conte has stuck by Emerson Royal at right-back with the versatile Matt Doherty in support, but perhaps a domestic cup game can give the Englishman the chance to shine like he did at Forest.