Nottingham Forest star Djed Spence is a deadline day target for Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, according to The Mirror.
This would shellshock Forest who had hoped to keep the player beyond the January transfer window following some fine form.
Now, the Spurs boss is weighing up a move for the 21-year-old prior to tomorrow night’s deadline, but there is an intriguing situation developing.
Spence wouldn’t be able to make his debut for Tottenham until next season. The right-back has already played for two clubs this season and rules prevent him from playing for a third.
That could offer Forest hope. Conte may hope to strike a deal with Middlesbrough and then choose to keep Spence at the City Ground for the remainder of the season.
The youngster has been a revelation at Forest. He joined on loan in the summer and has been a mainstay in the Reds team.
He has grown under Steve Cooper, with Spence utilised more often than not as a right wing-back when called upon.
The Tottenham target has played 22 times for Forest and is being courted by several clubs. Tottenham look to be leading the race, with Arsenal, Inter and Roma also keen.
Blow: Losing Spence would be a massive loss for Forest
It wouldn’t make a deal of sense for Tottenham to sign him tomorrow and take him straight to North London.
He wouldn’t be able to play and he’d hardly fancy playing under-23 football for the next three months.
Spence is thriving at Forest and the best thing for his development right now is to continue playing regular football at the club.
Tottenham clearly want to steal a march in the race to sign the right-back. They shouldn’t even be thinking about recalling him from Forest, however.
The club now faces a really uncertain day regarding the future of one of their top performers this season.
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