Transfer News: Tottenham Hotspur to battle Arsenal for Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence
According to Sky Sports, Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle Arsenal to the signature of Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence in the January transfer window. He has been a long-term target for Spurs, and they now look set to make their move.
Spence is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, with Leeds United also have shown interest in signing him this month. Several other unnamed clubs in the Premier League and across Europe are also keeping tabs on his progress.
Antonio Conte wants to bolster the right-wingback slot and the club appear keen to help him achieve it this month. However, should any club sign the 21-year-old, they would have to wait until the end of the season since he has already featured for two different clubs this term.
Spence to Spurs?
The right-hand side has been a cause of concern for us this season and the arrival of Conte has changed little. Matt Doherty has flopped since leaving Wolverhampton Wanderers while Emerson Royal has been underwhelming on the attacking front.
It is clear that Spurs could do with some reinforcing in the position this winter. But the limitations involved in Spence’s potential transfer would hamper us and will do little to address our immediate concerns.
The Englishman’s excellent ability to beat his man would certainly suit our needs, while his game reading skills are no pushover either. With many years left in the bag, he can still develop and continue to grow under a competent manager such as Conte.
The Gunners and Leeds United pose a great threat to our chances of acquiring the Boro starlet this month. Fabio Paratici would need to be wary of the competitors and will need to trump them if we are to come out on top.
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It remains to be seen if our pursuit of the English defender would be put to a halt, considering how we cannot make use of him until next season. We have also been linked with Adama Traore, who can play a similar role, and unlike Spence, the Spaniard can play for us from the word go.
Spence is certainly a player who could become a major asset for us in the years to come. Whether we are willing to take a chance this season in order to land the player in the summer remains to be seen.
