Tottenham are interested in signing Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence this summer as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his squad.
Spurs have already completed the signings of Ivan Perisic from Inter and Fraser Forster from Southampton as Conte looks to improve squad depth at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence had an impressive season on loan at newly-promoted side Nottingham Forest, and Spurs look set to battle for the defender's signature this summer.
football.london understands that Tottenham are among the frontrunners to sign Spence, with Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Newcastle, Brentford and Forest having all shown a strong interest in the London-born wide man. Developments are expected with Spence's future early next week once the 21-year-old returns from international duty with England Under-21s.
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While rumours had stated that Spurs have agreed a deal with Middlesbrough, football.london understands those reports to be wide of the mark, with developments expected in the next week.
And according to TeessideLive, Middlesbrough are yet to hold advanced conversations with any club about the sale of Spence. Boro are open to negotiations, but at this moment the market is still rather quiet. The 21-year-old currently has two years remaining on his contract at Boro and the club will not sell for less than market value.
Should Spurs win the race for Spence's signature this summer, it is expected that the club will allow one of listen to offers for Emerson Royal. Tottenham's managing director of football Fabio Paratici has watched Spence in person this season and while there would be an emotional pull for the player to return to Forest, he is understood to be attracted by the prospect of playing Champions League football, something both Spurs and Dortmund can offer next season.
With the transfer window only officially opening on Friday, Boro are expected to sell Spence this summer.
