Djed Spence's electric form on loan at Nottingham Forest this season has had some of Europe's biggest clubs queuing up ahead of what could be a summer scramble for his signature.
The wing-back is on loan at the City Ground from Championship rivals Middlesbrough. Luckily for Boro, they tied Spence down to a long-term contract prior to him joining Forest. His performances, in aiding Forest's promotion push and taking them to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, have seen his stock rise exponentially and the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United have been rumoured to be interested.
Stewart Downing is a former Middlesbrough colleague of Spence's and has suggested an ideal new employer in the shape of Tottenham.
With a flurry of Premier League clubs said to be eyeing up a move for the 21-year-old, Downing has highlighted two possible clubs where Spence would fit in seamlessly. Downing said: “I like the way Spurs play with a wing-back system, I know they’re quite defensive but I think Conte likes the wing-backs to go up and down - that suits his (Spence's) game. I’m not sure about Arsenal, I think he would have to do another level.
Will Spence earn a Premier League move this summer? Let us know in the comments
"For Brentford, the way they play, I think that could suit him. So it wouldn’t surprise me if someone from the Premier League did take a chance on him, because if they get in for 10 million which is probably not a lot of money in today’s game, you know, I think that could be good business for someone.”
Middlesbrough-born Downing had two spells with his hometown club before hanging up his boots after leaving Blackburn in 2021. Speaking to bettingexpert, he also provided a glimpse into Spence's psyche ahead of what is likely to be a whirlwind summer for the former Fulham trainee.
Downing added: “You could see Djed had natural ability, you could see he can run, he’s good with the ball but he was still a bit raw. I think he got into the first team, and he was doing really well. I think more with him it’s about his mentality. He’s a little bit laid-back, he could be late at times, you need to be on at him and be aggressive as a manager because he’s a little laid-back, as I said, and I think managers can get frustrated with that.
"He’s still only a young lad and he’s still got a lot to learn, but it wouldn’t surprise me if someone took a chance on him because I think he’s got the attributes to play in the Premier League.”
Spence's form this season saw him earn a place in the Championship team of the season, along with two other Forest players. He also landed the EFL Young Player of the Month award for March.
