Chelsea made ‘inquiries’ for young defender before Tottenham sealed summer move

Chelsea considered signing Djed Spence as Reece James’ understudy before Tottenham Hotspur deal

Tottenham Hotspur have secured the signature of Djed Spence from Middlesbrough in a deal that could rise to £20m if all add-ons are met.

It turns out that Chelsea made ‘inquiries’ about the 21-year-old defender. The Blues apparently considered him as Reece James’ potential understudy.

But as the Athletic (Subscription Required), Tottenham were always his preferred destination. Having grown up in London, he will now get to play for one of the most acclaimed managers in world football.

Nottingham Forest were promoted from the Championship last season with Spence as their first-choice right-back. Hence, it wasn’t a surprise to see their name in the mix when it came to potential suitors for Spence in the summer.

Good move by Spurs?

But if we lost out Spence to Chelsea, then it would have been extra frustrating for our fans, given the intense rivalry between the two clubs. Thomas Tuchel’s potential interest in Spence can be understood to some extent as well.

James is their first-choice right-wing-back but he isn’t immune from injuries or fatigue. Cesar Azpilicueta has been filling in well for the Englishman when he has been unavailable for selection, such as in the FIFA Club World Cup fixtures last season.

But the Spaniard could be on his way to Barcelona this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano. It remains to be seen, however, if Conte trusts Spence from the get-go.

The Italian manager already has Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal in his ranks, and strangely played Lucas Moura in the right wing-back position in Spurs’ two most recent friendlies.

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Even if the ex-Boro man is not handed starts initially, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern. This is his first season in the PL and he is still just 21, with a lot of time still left for him to hone his skills and become a quality wing-back.