Tottenham Hotspur are leading the race to sign Djed Spence in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old, who spent the 2021/22 campaign on loan at Nottingham Forest and helped them to win the Championship play-offs, has been linked with a number of clubs, with Newcastle also linked to the full-back who is still on Middlesbrough's books.
Spence is expected to leave the Riverside Stadium this summer in a move that could largely fund 'Boro's own summer spending this year, with The Northern Echo reporting that a fee of over £15million is being demanded. Forest are keen on a permanent deal for a player who scored three goals in 46 appearances in all competitions last term, but whose spell at the City Ground has caused his reputation to balloon.
As such, despite Steve Cooper's desire to be united once more with Spence, Spurs’ interest is set to gazump that of Forest, with the former Fulham academy defender increasingly set to return to London and move to Tottenham.
With the England Under-21 international looking set to join Antonio Conte at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Forest have reportedly turned their attentions to Premier League champions Manchester City to sign a replacement.
The Daily Mail report that they've enquired about Issa Kabore, the 21-year-old who has already played 25 times for Burkina Faso’s senior side at international level and spent last season on loan at Troyes. He made 31 appearances in Ligue 1, providing two assists and helping to keep seven clean sheets.
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Kabore, who can play as a right-back and at wing-back, is liked by Forest as an alternative to Spence, although the Manchester Evening News claim that Forest may have to settle on a loan move for the defender.
Kabore, named as the Young Player of the Tournament at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, has three years left on his contract at City, but Forest Boss Cooper’s reputation of developing young players and getting Kabore used to English football could prove to be a major factor in getting a move over the line.
One player who could also be leaving Forest this summer is first-choice goalkeeper Brice Samba. The Athletic reports that Samba will not sign a new contract at the City Ground and wants to leave this summer, with his contract expiring in 2023.
The 28-year-old has played 133 times for Forest in the last three seasons and his heroics in this year’s play-offs helped the Tricky Trees return to the Premier League for the first time in over 20 years.
