Reports have emerged that Middlesbrough want just £10million for Djed Spence, as he continues to shine on loan at Nottingham Forest. Such a bargain has got to put Leeds on red alert, who might need a right-back soon.
Spence, 21, joined Forest on loan last summer – despite clocking up 70 senior appearances at Middlesbrough before the temporary move. He has played a crucial part in Forest’s turnaround in form under Steve Cooper.
His form has not gone unnoticed. Given he is young, English and just seven senior matches shy of reaching the landmark of 100 matches, Premier League clubs are keen. Leeds are said to be among the sides interested.
Sky Sports say that Leeds are interested in Spence and along with Arsenal, they have made that interest apparent to Boro. He has already played for two clubs this season, and that ruled him out of a January move to a third.
Transfer expert Dean Jones has now claimed that a £10million fee would be enough for Spence in the summer, on Give Me Sport: “£10m, I was told, which isn’t that bad for a Premier League club for a player at that level.”
Our View: Why Leeds need to pay Spence fee, Ayling contract
Cody Drameh was seen as a potential replacement for Luke Ayling but the youngster has gone on loan to Cardiff, and seemed to distance himself from Leeds. A permanent exit in the summer might be on the cards.
Jamie Shackleton is a perfect player for Marcelo Bielsa – great attitude, versatile, supremely fit. But he is not technically good enough in midfield, and Ayling is better at right-back. He may feel has to leave the club.
Ayling, meanwhile, turns 31 in the summer and has entered the last 18 months of his contract. A new deal is likely but the chances are that he will decline and Leeds need a replacement. At £10million, Spence is perfect.
Indeed, Neil Warnock is a fan. The ex-Leeds gaffer coached Spence while at Middlesbrough and he described Spence as a player that is capable of reaching the top, in 2020: “He’s got the tools, there’s no doubt about that.”
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