Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge has recently revealed why Antonio Conte wants top summer target Djed Spence at Tottenham Hotspur.
The north London side have flown into the summer transfer window and the hierarchy has fully backed Italian boss Conte ahead of an important 2022/23 campaign, and after recently signing Richarlison from Everton, they are setting their sights firmly on Middlesbrough youngster Spence.
While Spence has been a target of the Lilywhites since the window began, the two sides have only recently agreed on a deal for him to move to Spurs, and Bridge believes there are two key reasons why the transfer will be made this summer.
Speaking prior to Spurs and Boro entering advanced talks for Spence, Bridge told Chris Cowlin: “I do believe they will meet at some stage, wherever it’s £14m and a bit, we’ll wait and see. I think what’s the key here is that Conte has given the thumbs up to him, Spurs need English players – they need to [address] this homegrown [concern], and he ticks the boxes.”
TIF Thoughts on Spence to Spurs…
With Conte giving Spurs’ approach for Spence his approval, recent reports have suggested a fee could be agreed this weekend.
While Spurs impressed last season after Conte came in, finishing fourth in the Premier League and beating bitter rivals Arsenal to the final Champions League spot, they need to improve the depth of the squad while bringing in homegrown talent, and Spence ticks both of these boxes.
Last season, the 21-year-old, rated at £7.2m, was a key figure in Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League and picked up three goals and five assists from the right-back position while averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, one key pass, 1.7 dribbles and 1.2 long balls per game.
It is unclear how much the deal is worth at the moment, but if they can get Spence for under £20m, we feel it would be an absolute steal for a player with his potential and the instant impact he could have in fighting for a starting place alongside Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty.
Will Spence start for Spurs?Yes
No
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