Darren Bent has backed Djed Spence to secure a move to Crystal Palace during the January transfer window after Antonio Conte’s treatment of the defender at Tottenham Hotspur.
The former striker stated that the ‘worst part’ of Spence’s lack of game time at Spurs this season is how bad the likes of Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have performed, yet he can’t seem to earn that start.
The 22-year-old moved to Hotspur Way for £20 million (Sky Sports) in the summer, after helping Nottingham Forest earn promotion to the Premier League during his season-long loan from Middlesbrough.
The issue Spence had from the get-go is that Conte made it clear to the media that right-sided wing-back was a ‘club signing’.
Well, the player has been treated just like that because he has only played a total of 41 minutes this season.
The January transfer window slams shut next week and it could result in Spence leaving, Bent backed the player to go across London and sign for Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace, who will value a player of his ilk, as he told talkSPORT.
“You mentioned there Djed Spence, Crystal Palace are interested in him, it’s important that he goes out on loan and gets some football,” said Bent.
“It was a good signing, at first and he just hasn’t managed to play at all – it almost feels like Conte, towards Djed Spence, what am I supposed to do with him? I didn’t sign him?!
“You know the worst part is. You look at some of the performances of their right wing-backs. Emerson Royal, I have seen Spurs fans hammering him. Matt Doherty, hammering him as well. He has never been given an opportunity.
“I feel for Djed Spence. You watched him at Forest and he was vital to why they got promoted. I thought he would have gone back to Forest. But he went to Spurs, a bigger club, and they are in a better position right now than Nottingham Forest. I think Palace will be good for him. A good coach in Patrick Vieira. He likes young talent. It might work.”
PALACE WOULD BE A BRILLIANT MOVE
There are many young stars – Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Tyrick Mitchell – thriving at Selhurst Park under the guidance of Patrick Vieira.
There’s no reason why Spence can’t add his name to the list, especially given that they won’t be re-signing Aaron-Wan Bissaka after his change in form at Manchester United.
Plus, someone like Spence should look at Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher. Players that have thrived at Palace and earned England calls on the back of successful spells at the club.
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