Middlesbrough are set to recall right-back Djed Spence from his loan with Nottingham Forest in January, a report from The Daily Mirror, via The Nottingham Post, has claimed.

Having fallen down the pecking order at the Riverside after some below par performances under former manager Neil Warnock, 'Boro allowed Spence to join Forest on a season-long loan back in the summer transfer window.

Since then, the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances for Forest, scoring once and producing some impressive performances that have made him a popular figure at The City Ground.

However, it seems as though that has now caught the attention of those watching one from back at Spence's parent club.

According to this latest update, new Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder is set to recall Spence in January, having been made aware of the full-back's form at Forest.

It is thought that Spence will provide cover for 'Boro amid injury concerns around Anfernee Dijksteel and Darnell Fisher on the right-hand side of their defence.

Prior to his move to Forest, Spence had made 70 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough, scoring twice in that time.

As things stand, there are 18 months remaining on Spence's contract with 'Boro, securing his future at the club until the end of the 2022/23 season.

The Verdict

This is a move that would seemingly make perfect sense for Middlesbrough.

Spence has been outstanding since making the move to Forest, rightly winning plenty of praise for his performance at The City Ground.

As a result, it makes no sense to leave to him to flourish at a Championship rival, when he could still be making an impact for 'Boro, in a position they currently have availability issues in.

While it will be disappointing for them, Forest ought not to be surprised by 'Boro's decision in the circumstances, and it could be important for them that since they are aware of that, they should have targets ready to move for as soon as Spence's departure is confirmed.