Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder has said that the club have set a ‘fair price’ for wing-back Djed Spece ahead of a potential summer transfer.
The England U21 international impressed on a season-long loan with Nottingham Forest last season, playing a big part in the club’s promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs. Given his performances during 2021/22, it’s no surprise that Forest are keen to make the transfer permanent this summer, but they face major competition for the player.
Tottenham Hotspur have been heavily linked with the player. Reports this week claim that ‘further talks’ will take place between Middlesbrough and Spurs over the next few days.
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Wilder’s side are said to be looking for a fee of around £15 million this summer, while Spurs are prepared to pay around £10 million. If the two clubs come to a compromise is still to be seen.
Forest are likely to be watching from the wings. But they are lining up potential alternatives in the summer window with the club showing an interest in Liverpool’s Neco Williams and Man City’s Issa Kabore.
Wilder has now given the latest on a potential summer move for Spence. The 'Boro boss hinting that a move to the Premier League is on the cards for the player.
“Well we want the going rate. The negotiators, with my input, we've set a price and a fair price. We don't want to hold anybody back," he told BBC Radio Tees Sport .
"Djed has made it clear that he wants to go play in the Premier League, he's earned that opportunity which he has done. You cannot get away from the fact that he's had an incredible season and with that comes interest but it has to be at that right price.
"While we'll not pay over the odds, we as a football club have got to set a fair and reasonable price for that to happen. I'm confident all three parties will get round the table and get this sorted out. If that happens then I'm sure we'll all walk away happy with the deal.
"We've got good players underneath, as we've talked about in terms of Izzy Jones and his progression last season. We've got a player who has had a fabulous season and got his rewards for that in terms of a big move and we've got the going rate for the England U21 top right wing-back of English descent."
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