Tottenham edge closer to first January transfer window signing - a highly-rated English right back

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte is edging closer to his first signing, with the Italian interested in Middlesborough loanee Djed Spence.

Spurs are not the only club in for the young full-back, with Arsenal and Leeds also expressing interest in the player who is currently plying his trade at Nottingham Forest.

Arsenal found out first hand what Spence is capable of, after being knocked out by Forest in the FA Cup third round.

The 21-year-old, who began his youth career at Fulham, before moving north to Middlesborough, is currently on loan at fellow championship club Forest, and has been in fine form this season, turning out 19 times.

Spence came to more prominence when he played a starring role in Forest’s shock win at in-form Arsenal.

Former Bournemouth striker Lewis Grabban got the winning goal, but Spence had a solid game, and despite fears he would be overwhelmed up against highly-rated winger Gabriel Martinelli, Spence wasn’t dribbled past once and kept the Brazilian quiet.

Conte has reportedly been seeking a right-back the entire transfer window, as he is unimpressed with Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty.

The pair’s inability to contribute going forward is a major factor in Conte wanting a new right-back, and with Spence having good pace on the right and a wicked delivery, he could answer Conte’s prayers.

Despite his young age, Spence has great experience and is closing in on almost 100 professional games already, and has played 82 times since his debut in 2018.

This could be a golden opportunity for Spurs, who haven’t really replaced Kyle Walker since he left, almost five years ago.

Serge Aurier, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker-Peters, Royal and Doherty have all been tried, but none have replicated Walker’s presence in the team, with three of those mentioned not even at the club anymore.

With Spence in, he could be Tottenham’s starring right-back for years, with his potential seemingly very high.