Tottenham Hotspur 'expert' John Wenham has fumed over the 'criminal' decision to loan Djed Spence out to Rennes, rather than to a Premier League club.

The Lowdown: Spence loaned out

Spence completed a loan move to Rennes on deadline day, after failing to break into Antonio Conte's side so far this season, appearing for a total of just three minutes in the Premier League.

There were several teams in the English top flight said to be interested in the right-back, including the likes of Brentford and Southampton, and Wenham has now queried why one of these moves was not orchestrated.

The Latest: Wenham reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham criticised the Spurs chiefs for their decision to send the 22-year-old to France, saying: “I appreciate that the club are briefing that Spence turned down other clubs because he wants game time.

“But, for me, not good enough. It had to be a Premier League loan, It absolutely had to be a Premier League loan.

“Whatever you do in the French league is irrelevant. Spence should be out improving in the top flight of English football."

The club expert later added: “I just think it’s criminal that we couldn’t find him a Premier League loan.”

The Verdict: Right call?

Given Spence's lack of game time for Tottenham, it was undoubtedly the right decision to loan him out, especially considering the arrival of Pedro Porro could mean that the former Middlesbrough man's minutes are even more limited.

Wenham is right to have some concern about the move mind, considering the defender will not adapt to the Premier League by playing abroad, but if he was only being offered a more limited role by the interested parties in England, it is better for him to get more minutes under his belt.

It is an important move for the Englishman, as proving himself in the second half of the season will give him the best chance of returning to Spurs and challenging for a starting spot, and he has started very well.

On his debut, Spence put in a solid performance, making three tackles and winning six ground duels, the joint-highest amount of any Rennes player, giving off early indications he could return to Tottenham an improved player.