Nottingham Forest have reportedly admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Djed Spence on a permanent basis from Middlesbrough.
Spence enjoyed a successful loan spell at the City Ground last season to help Forest secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time in 23 years with a play-off victory over Huddersfield Town.
The wing-back played a pivotal part in Steve Cooper's side, scoring three goals and five assists, and formed a dangerous partnership with Brennan Johnson on the right.
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It has been made no secret that Cooper wanted to retain Spence's services for next season, but with Champions League football tempting him with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, prizing the 21-year-old away from Middlesbrough has been difficult to construct.
Previously, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Boro were still "waiting to receive an official bid" for Spence. Now according to reports in the Northern Echo, the Reds are set to end their interest in Spence after admitting defeat to Antonio Conte's Spurs.
Conte's interest has been known since March and Spence has been identified as the Italian's first choice option at right-back. With a new figure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, one man who has been rumoured to depart the club is Emerson Royal.
The Brazilian defender has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this summer as Kieran Trippier's replacement and Spence could replace the former Barcelona man as Spurs' right wing-back next season.
