Nottingham Forest's pursuit of Djed Spence could be set to receive a significant blow as Tottenham Hotspur look to free up space in their squad to sign the England Under-21 international.
Spence, 21, is in high demand this summer after impressing on loan for Forest to help Steve Cooper's side earn promotion to the Premier League. The right-back was a standout player for the Reds, scoring three goals and providing five assists across 46 appearances, while also impressing in the FA Cup against Premier League opposition.
Forest have been joined by Spurs in trying to prise Spence away from parent club Middlesbrough this summer, with reports suggesting he would be more interested in moving to the capital than back to the East Midlands. However, it was recently reported that Boro are "waiting to receive an official bid" from either side.
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In the latest potential twist to the Spence transfer saga, Spurs could be making their first move in securing the 21-year-old by letting one of their own depart. According to Sky Sports, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Emerson Royal this summer, just a year since his £25.8m transfer from Barcelona.
The Brazilian originally struggled at Spurs before enjoying a resurgence under incoming manager Antonio Conte and went on to be a key member of the team which secured Champions League football.
It appears, Atleti boss Diego Simeone wanted Royal last summer and the Spanish side have now reignited their interest as they look to improve their backline following Kieran Trippier's January move to Newcastle United.
Should Royal depart, Conte would only have Matt Doherty available at his right-back, leaving a space open for Spence to come in.
