After announcing the completion of Richarlison, Tottenham Hotspur are pressing on for more additions to the squad. According to Lyall Thomas, the North London club has entered advanced negotiations with Middlesbrough ahead of a £20 million move for England U21 full-back Djed Spence.
Exclusive w/@SkySports_Keith: #Tottenham also now in advanced talks to sign Djed Spence. Agreement getting closer and #Spurs hope to also have him in by start of pre-season next week. #Boro more on #SSN now and here: https://t.co/OzHTtF6aQx pic.twitter.com/X05BuCKgVe
— Lyall Thomas (@SkySportsLyall) June 30, 2022
Spurs Looking for More Additions With Djed Spence A Main Target
Difference in Valuations
Initial talks between both clubs did not yield any positive results as they were wide apart in their valuations for the English youngster. Middlesbrough valued their asset over £15 million, but Spurs were unwilling to match that price tag.
However, with Chairman Daniel Levy said to be leading the pursuit personally, Spurs seem to have had a change of heart and are now willing to finalize the deal. The North London side is, however, wary of Middlesbrough’s unshakable stance on their price tag and has identified other possible targets should they deem the deal too expensive. Lens wing-back Jonathan Claus and Torino’s Wilfried Singo are amongst those earmarked as backup options.
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder said in an interview with the Northern Echo that he expects Spence to leave the club this summer. When asked about the deal, he said: “If nothing happens with Djed, then he’s our player, and he’ll be back for pre-season.
“From my point of view, negotiations between Kieran Scott, Neil Bausor, Steve Gibson, and Tottenham stay between Kieran, Neil, Steve, and Tottenham.
“If the deal doesn’t get done, we’ll see where we go from there. Have I got input into it? Yeah, 100 per cent. The boy obviously doesn’t want to come back here, which I’ve got absolutely no issue with. He obviously sees his future away from here, and he had a brilliant season last season.
“We’re expecting that deal to happen, but if it doesn’t, then he’s our player. From a club’s point of view, the deal has to be right. We’re not trying to stand in the way of anybody. I’ve never done that as a manager, and I’ve had plenty of situations before where opportunities have come along to players.”
STILL HASN’T SUNK IN 🏆 23 YEARS LONG WAIT TO BE BACK IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE WHERE THIS CLUB BELONGS 📈 IM JUST SO GLAD & HONOURED TO BE APART OF IT ♥️! YOUUUUU REDDDSSSSS♥️🤍♥️ pic.twitter.com/dieIW0933N
— Djed Spence (@DjedSpence) May 31, 2022
Looking To Move On
The 21-year-old spent the last campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest, making 46 appearances in all competitions. He played a significant part in helping Steve Cooper’s side to promotion after beating Huddersfield Town in the Championship playoff final. While Forest would like to keep him at the club beyond this summer, the England International has his heart set on playing Champions League football.
Read More: Tottenham Hotspur Close In on Loan Deal for French International Defender
Djed Spence is one of England’s highly rated youngsters and was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Season. You can see why Spurs are keen.
