Djed Spence has been linked with a shock summer move to German giants Bayern Munich.
The six-time European Cup winners are just the latest team to be rumoured with a big-money swoop for the Middlesbrough wing-back, who has enjoyed a stand-out campaign.
Spence joined Nottingham Forest on a loan deal at the start of this season and has since posted a clutch of impressive performances that have had top teams purring, including Arsenal and Tottenham.
The 21-year-old is under contract at parent club Boro until 2024 with the Teesside club cleverly having ensured he penned an extension prior to him heading to Forest.
Now, Sky Sports in Germany are claiming that the reigning Bundesliga champions are considering a bid for Spence.
Would Spence force his way into the first-team plans at one of Europe's top clubs? Let us know in the comments
Reports claim Boro are looking at a fee of around £12million for a player who they signed from Fulham's academy back in 2018.
If he were to move to the Allianz Arena in the summer, Spence would be following in the footsteps of another full-back in going from the Championship to Bayern.
Omar Richards went down that unexpected path last summer, moving from Reading to Bavaria after his contract with the Royals expired.
He signed a four-year deal and has perhaps played more than most people would have anticipated in his first season; so far making 15 appearances, although only has 371 minutes under his belt in the Bundesliga.
Speaking recently to the Times , 24-year-old Richards spoke about his integration into one of Europe's best squads.
“I’m in a team with superstars and some of the best players, and I’m still new to it," Richards admitted.
"But, the thing is, I’m in the right place and I’m only getting better each day, so you never know what can happen.
“I remember the first point of contact was in the big meeting room. I was sitting in there and had been early. All these people I’d seen on TV and played with on Fifa are all walking past high-fiving me.
“I was thinking, ‘What is going on? I must be in some dream or something.’ My agent called and told me Bayern are watching me, they’re interested, and I’m thinking, ‘What? This can’t be true.’ I almost put the phone down on him.
"I literally didn’t believe it until I got on a Zoom call with them."
Spence may well find himself in a similar situation in a few months, although Bayern are likely to have plenty of competition for his signature.
The man who brought Spence to Middlesbrough, Jonathan Woodgate, believes Spence's loan spell at Forest has been vital in putting him in the shop window.
He is now looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Spence.
Speaking in association with Genting Casino, Woodgate said: "It’s a blessing in disguise that Djed joined Forest on loan - he is playing outstandingly well.
"It wasn’t always so simple for him. It was tough.
"A few people at the club wanted him to go out on loan, but he stayed, fought for his place and he got his chance under me.
"He deserved it and did really well. When Neil Warnock came in it changed for him. Djed wasn’t really getting in the team and the club loaned him out.
"Anyone that has a lot of pace and can defend one against one, as a right-back or right wing-back have always got a chance to deliver.
"The biggest challenge for him is how he progresses – taking the game to another level and then another level – there's still a long way to go, but he's doing really well."
