Nottingham Forest have long been linked with a permanent move for Djed Spence following his successful loan spell at the City Ground, but there has now been a less than encouraging update from a reliable source on the player's future.

What's the latest?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated that the Middlesbrough full-back has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur.

The transfer insider tweeted: "Djed Spence has just completed his medical in London. He’s gonna sign his long-term contract as Tottenham player, just waiting for final details and official contracts. Here we go confirmed."

"Middlesbrough will receive £12.5m fixed fee plus add-ons, bit less than £20m."

Supporters surely gutted

There is no doubt that Forest supporters will be gutted to see Spence go to Spurs this summer, especially when you consider his amazing output which ultimately contributed to the club's promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years.

The 21-year-old scored two goals, delivered four assists and created six big chances, making one key pass, 1.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions and winning 5.8 duels per game over 42 Championship appearances, proving that he is both an attacking threat and a reliable defender.

He spoke out on his future following the victory in the play-off final at Wembley, telling Nottinghamshire Live: "[This club] means everything to me. We lose together and win together. We're going up together. This means everything to me."

"I would love to stay, but it's not in my hands. We'll see what the future holds."

Steve Cooper will likely be as gutted as the Forest fan base, although he was clearly prepared for the possibility of Spence taking his talents elsewhere as the club signed right-back Neco Williams this month to come in as a replacement if the 2021/22 Reds loanee did not stay at the City Ground.

The Forest manager will be hoping that the former Liverpool full-back can emulate or even improve upon Spence's performances when the team make their Premier League return next month.

With that being said, the newly-promoted club have shown their determination to focus on the future at Forest by not waiting around to see if they could seal a permanent deal for Spence, and ultimately it was the right decision now that the player is heading for north London.

AND in other news: Paul Taylor issues huge transfer claim that'll excite Forest supporters