Wolverhampton Wanderers are already plotting their moves ahead of the January transfer window, even if it's still two months away...

What's the word?

According to TEAMtalk, the Midlands outfit are one of several top-flight teams pursuing a move for Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence.

It's claimed that the Championship outfit face an uphill battle to keep the 20-year-old with Everton, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United also interested in his signature.

After breaking into the first-team under Jonathan Woodgate last season, Spence signed a new long-term contract in February this year.

Future talent?

The young English sensation has continued to cement his place as Boro's right wing-back this season, playing in eight of their nine Championship outings thus far.

Spence has scored one goal and has also averaged 1.3 dribbles, 1.1 tackles and 0.7 key passes per 90 minutes, via WhoScored.

During the summer, his manager Neil Warnock played down chances of his top talent leaving the Riverside Stadium, though evidently, it's a saga that's set to rumble on throughout the winter.

He's handed him a glowing endorsement in the process too, comparing him to two current Premier League stars, he said: "If you look at one or two of the full-backs that are around now - the lad at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and the lad at Manchester United from Palace [Aaron Wan-Bissaka] - they are all the same type as Djed."

Warnock went on to claim that Spence had "enormous ability" and how it would be "criminal" if he didn't make it to the very top.

He has also been noted as having 'blistering pace' whilst at 6-foot-and-a-half, he offers intriguing physical attributes too.

As per ESPN, it's believed that Boro value the promising right wing-back at just £10m whilst Spurs have previously been mooted with interest.

Nuno Santo brought in two players in the role during the summer window - Nelson Semedo, who is already making his presence felt and less so, Ki Jana-Hoever.

You'd imagine the latter is in most danger if Jeff Shi sanctions a move for Spence - a swoop in which he should absolutely follow through with as it not only meets Fosun's long-term ambitions but hands the Wolf Pack a genuine talent ahead of their rivals.

Perhaps he can be Nuno's next project - à la Adama Traore.

AND in other news, Wolves must rue not signing £30m monster better than Dendoncker...