Tottenham Hotspur may have been handed an exciting boost in their bid to sign Championship starlet Djed Spence, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein of The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye move...

The Lilywhites are believed to be well in the hunt to sign Middlesbrough's promising wing-back who dazzled on loan at Nottingham Forest and played a 'significant' part in their Premier League promotion.

Spurs talks to sign Spence have been backed by credible sources in the last week, including Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas, with a report by The Guardian even claiming that a fee had been agreed.

While reports by Thomas since then haven't quite backed it being that far down the line, Ornstein has broken news of a potentially exciting boost in the race for his signature.

The Latest: Ornstein shares Spence boost...

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According to his information, the 21-year-old now favours Spurs 'ahead of other suitors' in what could be a significant development.

He explained on Twitter:

"Djed Spence has expressed a preference to sign for Tottenham this summer as negotiations continue between Middlesbrough & THFC over a fee. No agreement so far but talks ongoing + 21yo right-back favours Spurs ahead of other suitors".

The Verdict: Big?

The Englishman comes with much potential and could really help to balance the books of Tottenham's troubling homegrown quota.

A capable wing-back option possessing an abundance of quality, Spence was a mainstay under Forest boss Steve Cooper last season, starting 41 second tier matches at such a young age.

He's also been called a 'perfect player' for Conte by members of the media (Alex Crook), possibly making his addition a real no-brainer for Spurs as they remain busy before pre-season.

In other news: Conte enters pole position to sign 'excellent' international defender for Spurs! Find out more here.