Tottenham Hotspur are failing in their bid to beat Arsenal to the signing of Djed Spence, as ESPN (31/01, 14:24) report Middlesbrough rejected two offers from Spurs in the last week.
Fabio Paratici has moved to edge their north London rivals for the full-back to improve boss Antonio Conte’s options. Emerson Royal, who only joined Tottenham last August for £26m, has seemingly failed to impress the Italian since his arrival to replace Nuno Espirito Santo.
Spence cannot feature for either Arsenal or Tottenham this season with the 21-year-old on loan at Nottingham Forest. He had already played for Boro this term before moving to the City Ground. Yet his lack of availability for the next few months has not prevented any bids.
Tottenham made Middlesbrough two offers for Spence’s transfer over the past week in a bid to beat Arsenal. The Gunners have expressed their interest in the London-born dynamo to Boro, but are yet to submit an offer. The Northern Echo expect Arsenal will bid, however.
Paratici must improve the terms on the table to secure the Englishman’s arrival in north London, though. Both of Tottenham’s bids fell ‘considerably below’ Middlesbrough’s £15m asking price. So, unless they make a considerably improved offer, Spence will not move yet.
Spence ready to wait on Middlesbrough exit amid Arsenal, Tottenham interest
Spence is prepared to wait until the summer to assess offers to join Arsenal, Tottenham or his overseas suitors. Numerous clubs from abroad have also contacted Middlesbrough to discuss his availability and to express their interest in the former Fulham youth prospect.
He has put various clubs on alert after producing a Man of the Match display against Mikel Arteta’s side in the FA Cup for Nottingham Forest earlier this month. Spence’s efforts to contain the lively Gabriel Martinelli also left a glowing impression on Stephen Warnock.
“Spence, the right wing-back – Middlesbrough fans will be wondering why he’s not playing for them,” Warnock said on Match of the Day. “He was outstanding tonight. His ability to step into the game, to know when to press… it was a key feature.
“He outbattled Martinelli and he surprised him. Huge performance from him.”
Middlesbrough full-back Spence has also attracted transfer interest from Tottenham and Arsenal with two assists and a goal over 22 Championship games with Nottingham Forest.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
