England kid Djed Spence has confirmed he wants a Premier League move - as Arsenal and Tottenham line up a £20million summer move, with Manchester United also interested.
The Middlesbrough right wing-back is impressing on loan at Nottingham Forest this season and has earned rave reviews, including German giants Bayern Munich scouting him regularly. Spence, 21, is contracted to Middlesbrough until 2024 and the Teesside club have developed Isiah Jones into their first-choice right-back and one of their players of the season.
That leaves Spence weighing up his many options which are likely to lead to a move to the top flight. Spence’s rise comes a year after having his desire questioned by former Boro boss Neil Warnock - and episode Spence is determined to prove unfounded. Back then Warnock said: “He could be playing at a top club in England or in non-league in five years, I don't know. There are not many players where you can say it's all up to them personally how far they go - it's what's between the ears. Application, dedication, all these things come into it. He's got the tools, there's no doubt about that.”
Spence made his England U21 debut against Albania on Tuesday night describing the call up as an honour and a “big step forward” in his career. And after he said: “I always want to push myself and play with the best players and best team. Of course it’s an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League. I try to stay level-headed. I don’t read too much into it. At the end of the day, I’m just here to enjoy my football. I need to stay focused, have tunnel vision and play well on the pitch."
Spence admits he has nearly been released several times on his journey to a Championship promotion push with Forest. He said: “It’s been hard. But I never worry, really. I know my ability, I know what I’m capable of. I’ve got a good family behind me that pushes me and mentors me. I’ve just got to keep moving forward and opportunities will always rise up. So I’ve got to be ready to take them.”
He was plucked from the Fulham academy by Boro in 2018 and now they look set to bank a healthy profit this summer, helping fund Chris Wilder’s rebuilding. Bayern Munich are following German rivals lead by scouting young English talent but it is understood they see him as a back-up right-back at the moment. Spence has the rangy athletic talent suitable for a top club with Manchester United also interested.
His development has been quick under Forest boss and former England U17 coach Steve Cooper and Spence said of him: “He says: 'Just believe in yourself. Go out there with the right attitude to play. Do the right things first and then your talent takes over.' That’s the main thing I’ve learnt, just doing things right. The rest, your talent will take over. It’s been a good season. The manager who has come in has done well with the group of players and we’ve all believed in what he’s come here to do. It’s going well.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright singled Spence out for praise during Forest’s FA Cup run after they played Arsenal and the youngster said: “Coming from a player like Ian, it means a lot for him to say that. I just want to keep improving and show everyone what I can do on the pitch.”
Have Your Say! Should Djed Spence make a move this summer? Join the debate here.
U21 boss Lee Carsley has also been impressed by Spence and gave his verdict on Tuesday night after their 3-0 win in Albania. Carsley said: “Djed’s a player that I often go and watch. I go and watch other players that would play against Forest and Djed would often catch my eye. The season he’s having at Forest, it’s really important he continues doing well and pushing himself. We are really blessed in that position with a lot of good right-backs.
“I’ve been impressed with Djed on and off the pitch. He’s a nice kid, he’s really good to talk to. Coops is obviously doing a good job with him at Forest. He’s another one that we’ve now blooded and got a cap. I wouldn’t think twice about putting him in.”
