Journalist says Spurs ‘were in the driving seat’ for ‘brilliant’ ace, but now they may back away

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Speaking on the Talking Transfers Podcast, Graeme Bailey has been discussing Djed Spence’s future amid ongoing links to Tottenham.

It’s long been expected that Spurs would sign Spence this summer, but still, a few weeks into the window, there has been no progress in negotiations between the London club and Middlesbrough.

Spurs have certainly been favourites to land Spence for quite some time, but, according to Bailey, Tottenham are now willing to pull the plug on this move.

What’s been said?

Bailey shared what he knows about Spence.

“Djed Spence, he was on loan from Middlesbrough at Forest and he was brilliant for Forest. Tottenham have come in there, but they’re trying to lowball Middlesbrough here. Forest knew that Tottenham were in the driving seat so they looked at other options, one of which was Neco Williams, who Fulham wanted, so then Fulham looked at other options themselves,” Bailey said.

“Tottenham have told Middlesbrough now that they are willing to back away from this, don’t forget, Adama Traore is still out there, they agreed terms with him, everyone forgets how close they were to signing Traore, and he might even be the better option. Tottenham are threatening to pull out of this deal, and if they do back away, you will see Forest come back in for him, they’re willing to pay £15m, and then that will open the door for Neco Williams to return to Craven Cottage.”

Need an alternative

We can understand why Tottenham may want to pull the plug on a move for Spence. After all, he’s not the most proven player on the planet and at £15m, he’d be a bit of a gamble.

However, if they are to end their interest in the England U21 international, they need to have an alternative lined up.

That right wing-back slot is a real problem position for Tottenham and if the north London outfit harbour any real ambitons of challenging for top honours this season, they need to sign an upgrade in that area.

Spence may not be the man for Spurs, but if he isn’t, they have to find someone else.