The Northern Echo claim that Nottingham Forest have now decided to admit defeat in the race to land Djed Spence – leaving Tottenham with a clear path in their £20million pursuit of the Middlesbrough right-back.
Spence, 21, left Middlesbrough on loan last summer to join Forest – clocking up 46 appearances for Steve Cooper’s side as they gained promotion to the Premier League. Cooper has made no secret of wanting to keep Spence.
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But Tottenham have also shown plenty of interest in the right-back and they are closing in on a move. Reports claim Tottenham will now launch a £20million bid after his international duty with England’s Under-21 side is complete.
Now, the Echo report that Nottingham Forest have pulled out of a move and have admitted defeat in the race for Spence; ‘leaving the path open’ for Tottenham to sign the right-sided wing-back.
Forest admit defeat in Spence race, leaving ‘path open’ for Tottenham
Spence seems to be the ready-made wing-back for an Antonio Conte side. Plenty of energy, tenacity, technical ability with both goals and assists in the final third – but also defensively astute and quick enough to get back in.
For £20million, Spurs are getting themselves a young English defender for a cheap-ish price. He could be the long-term answer to Tottenham’s right-back issues of late, with Emerson Royal yet to prove his £26million fee.
Is it the right move for Spence? Perhaps. But he will do well to become first choice under Conte and it might take him some time to establish himself with the club before proving why Fabio Paratici has been keen.
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