Djed Spence has enjoyed a breakthrough season this term (Getty Images)
Back in July, a report from ESPN (h/t Teesside Live) had mentioned Tottenham among a host of Premier League clubs to be credited with an interest in rising Middlesbrough full-back Djed Spence.
As per the report, West Ham, Burnley, Brighton, Sheffield United and Southampton were among the other top-flight clubs believed to be keeping an eye on Spence, who was rated at £10million by Middlesbrough back then.
Djed Spence rose through the youth system at Fulham and represented the Cottagers at U-18 and U-23 levels before completing a move to Middlesbrough in the summer of 2018. He initially featured for Boro’s reserve side at the Premier League 2 level before making his first-team breakthrough under former manager Jonathan Woodgate during the 2019-20 campaign.
The 20-year-old went on to enjoy an impressive breakthrough season in England’s second-tier last term, starting 18 times in the Championship. Spence has continued to play a key role at the Riverside Stadium this term as well, starting three out of Middlesbrough’s five opening league fixtures so far.
Tottenham bolstered their right-back department with the acquisition of Matt Doherty from Wolves earlier in the summer. The Irishman’s arrival in North London has provided Serge Aurier with some quality cover and competition in that department.
Aurier looked destined for an exit throughout the summer amidst interest from AC Milan but the Ivorian ended up staying put in North London after negotiations between the clubs failed to reach a positive conclusion.
The 27-year-old, though, has less than two years remaining on his current deal, meaning the Ivorian’s long-term future at Tottenham remains unclear. Spurs were already a tad light in that department following the departure of Kieran Trippier in 2019 and Kyle Walker-Peters’ exit has further robbed them of some valuable depth.
To that end, Tottenham ideally need to bring in a promising young right-back and gradually phase him into the first-team mix in the near future. Reigniting interest in Djed Spence would definitely make sense in footballing terms. The 20-year-old has already started to show his quality in the Championship and seems to have the potential to make the step up to the top-flight.
A potential deal for Spence in January or next summer would go a long way towards preparing Tottenham for life without Aurier moving forward. The starlet has excelled in both full-back and wing-back roles on the right. Such a trait of versatility would hand a boost to Mourinho’s dynamics.
All in all, Tottenham should make a renewed attempt to sign Djed Spence in January amidst Aurier’s uncertain long-term future. The 20-year-old isn’t the finished article just yet but he’s more than capable of deputising for Doherty. Spurs should look to make the best use of Spence’s enormous potential and eventually groom him into a regular starter in the years to come.