Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is to have talks with Djed Spence about his future, according to Dean Jones.
Conte signed the fullback from Middlesbrough in the summer for around £20m, but has not started him in any games this season despite his other right-backs failing to impress, with Emerson Royal receiving heavy criticism for his performances.
The 22-year-old was excellent on loan at Nottingham Forest last season, as he helped them secure promotion back to the Premier League, but is still waiting for an opportunity in North London and could even leave in search of game time.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones claimed that the manager will soon sit down with the player and discuss the available options.
“They’re going to have a chat about that soon. He will consider his options and what might be best for him,” Jones claimed.
“Beyond that, I think it is a bit too soon to be contemplating who else might come in.”
TIF thoughts on Spence and Conte…
A difficult situation has arisen at Spurs for the fullback simply because Conte does not believe he is ready for first-team action yet.
Bringing Spence to the club without any intention to use him was a poor move, and they should look into loaning the Englishman out or even trying to recuperate the fairly substantial fee they paid.
The Italian should have given him more chances, even off the bench, particularly when considering that Emerson has been well below par, and Spence will have every right to be frustrated at his lack of chances.
Conte typically prefers more experienced players and has played 33-year-old Ivan Perisic at right wing-back ahead of Spence at times.
The situation needs to be resolved in January, and should he leave, the club may need to consider dipping into the market for a defender.