Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks with Middlesbrough over the permanent capture of Djed Spence, according to Football Insider.

The 21-year-old was one of the standout performers in the Championship in 2021/22 in a loan spell at Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal, Brentford and Forest have also shown an interest in his services, according to the piece, but Spurs are in the driving seat to secure his services.

Spence in an Antonio Conte system is a very exciting prospect and, even though it would have been romantic to see him sign for Forest after such an impressive season loan, the lure of Champions League football with Spurs cannot be underestimated.

The deal is thought to be in the region of £20 million with Boro set to receive performance-based add-ons as Spence's career progresses.

Boro would have been tempted to recall Spence from Forest when they had the option to in January, however on reflection it was certainly better for the players development to leave him where he was.

The Reds overtook Boro to finish in the play-offs in the process, but the Teesside club are set to recoup a significant transfer fee to reinvest in their 2022/23 promotion bid.

With Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty for company in North London, it could be difficult for Spence to nail down a starting berth straight away, but in looking to the long term it has to be seen as sensible business from the club.

The Verdict

 

 

It would be a shame if Spence is just a fringe player next season, after such an encouraging campaign at Forest.

If Royal and Doherty start the season strongly there could be a chance that Spence heads back out on loan, but by that time Forest definitely would have made other arrangements in regards to the right wing back position.

In terms of the wages that Spurs can offer in comparison as well, it will be a life-changing move for Spence who only really nailed down a starting position in the Championship in 2021/22.

It will be interesting to see who Forest target to combine with Brennan Johnson on the right side of their attack next term.