Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Lee

Nottingham Forest loan star James Garner responds to Djed Spence transfer talk

Manchester United loanee James Garner says he has no hesitations over Djed Spence's ability to play in the Premier League amid intense talk about his future.

Spence has spent the past season on loan with Forest having joined on a temporary basis from Middlesbrough. The 21-year-old contributed two goals and five assists in the Championship in 2021-22.

After a series of impressive performances last season, Spence has been linked with permanent moves away from Middlesbrough - including to Premier League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur.

Forest promotion special - 48-page souvenir now available to buy here

Read more: Forest goalie makes honest admission amid 'uncertainty' over Reds future

Read more: Nottingham Forest have 'greater chance' of completing Aston Villa transfer

Spence will certainly be playing in the Premier League this season, it just remains a matter as to where. Reports yesterday claimed that Spence has expressed a preference to join Spurs over Forest and other interested clubs this summer.

Regardless of who he joins, fellow Forest loanee Garner believes the wing-back is capable of playing in England's top-flight.

Speaking after an England Under-21 defeat to Slovenia, Garner said: "He has been excellent this season. He is a dream to play with. He's so fast and very good 1v1 going forward and defending.

"He's got it all as a full-back or wing-back where ever he plays. The future looks very bright for him.

"I feel there's no reason why he can't [play in the Premier League]. He's had just as good a season as I've had if not better. I feel he could play in the Premier League right now."

A report from The Northern Echo claimed Boro are yet to receive any formal offers for Spence, although they are expected to receive an approach in due course.

Tottenham were reportedly preparing a £10m offer for Spence, with sources in the north east suggesting Boro believe the Londoners are playing a waiting game to drive down their asking price.

Boro responded to an inquiry from Tottenham at the start of the summer but have heard no more. When an approach does come, the north east club "will demand around £20m" for the young defender it is said.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.