A huge update has emerged regarding Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Djed Spence in the summer transfer window...
What's the talk?
The Athletic's David Ornstein has revealed that Spurs are now closing in on a deal for the England under-21 international after discussions with Middlesbrough.
He tweeted: "Tottenham on the verge of total agreement with Middlesbrough to sign Djed Spence. Talks between Daniel Levy, Steve Gibson, player rep Scott Smith have produced a breakthrough. If all goes to plan medical expected in next 48hrs."
Fabrizio Romano later added to the story, tweeting: "Tottenham are set to complete Djed Spence deal, confirmed and here we go! He’s gonna sign a five year deal, medical tests ready - final details discussed now & contracts being prepared. #THFC Fee will be £12.5m guaranteed plus add ons, total package will be just under £20m."
Antonio Conte will be delighted
The Spurs head coach will be delighted by this latest development, as Spence would be an exciting addition to his squad for the 2022/23 campaign.
At the age of 21, the full-back is a player who can make an impact in the short run and the long-term for Tottenham. He played 42 games in the Championship on loan at Forest, producing two goals and four assists in that time as he showcased his attacking quality.
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His potential was illustrated by ITV pundit Ian Wright, who said: "If we are talking about right-backs performing at an unbelievable level, we're talking about Reece James and Trent, but I have not seen a combative, technical, swashbuckling performance like that for a very long time.
"I said to him, in all seriousness, 'That level we saw there? You should be in the Premier League.' Simple as that."
These comments suggest that Spence has the ability to put in an elite wing-back performance, although it is up to him to develop and prove that he can do it week in, week out to be on the same level as the likes of James and Alexander-Arnold.
Spence has the scope to become a full-back capable of making a big impact at the top end of the pitch, scoring and creating goals for the team.
He has plenty of years left ahead of him to hone his skills and build his consistency over time as he gains experience playing in the Premier League. The gem is a player who can benefit from Conte's coaching and learn from the likes of Ivan Perisic, who is a vastly experienced winger/wing-back in Europe.
AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano delivers frustrating Spurs update that'll leave Conte & Levy fuming...