Chris Wilder relays reason for the delay in Djed Spence moving to Tottenham Hotspur
Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder gave his thoughts on the Djed Spence transfer saga and why the move to Tottenham Hotspur has dragged on. The soon-to-be Spurs player has been linked with several clubs throughout the summer.
The North London side are said to have concluded negotiations with Boro on a deal worth £20 million when including add-ons for the full-back. The 21-year-old is expected to sign a long-term deal at Tottenham.
Speaking to Teeside Live (h/t football.london), Middlesbrough manager Wilder gave an insight into Spence’s move and admitted that it was “a boost for everyone”.
“It’s a boost for everyone. There has been far too much talk about it, but these deals just don’t happen overnight. It’s a big number for a player that has not played for us. He had a fabulous season [at Nottingham Forest], everyone knows that.”
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest. The full-back was one of the best players in the Championship, helping the Tricky Trees in their promotion to the Premier League.
Wilder stated that Spurs were the only side to have shown any real interest in signing the player. With no other competition, Tottenham have taken their time and made sure they’ve got the best deal.
Fans will feel we’ve signed a quality prospect on a good deal considering the figures being spent these days on players. Wilder feels Forest have also got a good deal at the end of the tough negotiations. The Boro manager is just happy the saga is over.
“Tottenham were the only show in town. So that made it quite difficult for Neil [Bausor] and Steve [Gibson] to get the right number, but they did and they’re comfortable with it. As far as I’m concerned, he’s gone, I don’t have to speak about it again and we move on.”
Spence is close to being our sixth signing of the summer. Antonio Conte has been heavily invested in by the board. There will be certain expectations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.
When the 21-year-old’s deal is made official, our gaffer will have three players at his disposal for the right wing-back role in the side. Conte’s system allows for the full-back to have more freedom in the attack, and Spence has the experience of playing the role at Forest.
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