Nottingham Forest are claimed to have "quiet optimism" that Djed Spence could end up at the City Ground next season.
Spence has been one of a number of stand-out players for Forest this season and has played a key role in helping Steve Cooper's side reach the Championship play-off final - where they play Huddersfield Town on Sunday (May 29).
Whilst Spence is expected to return to his parent club Middlesbrough in the summer, his impressive performances have resulted in clubs across England and wider Europe taking an interest in the wing-back.
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Spence, 21, has contributed three goals and five assists in all competitions this season and has reportedly won interest from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich and many more clubs.
According to The Guardian, however, Forest are confident that "at least two" of their current loanees will remain at the City Ground for next season. In addition to Spence, the Reds currently have Keinan Davis (Aston Villa), James Garner (Manchester United), Philip Zinckernagel (Watford), and Max Lowe (Sheffield United) on temporary deals
A report by The Guardian says: "The club [Forest] are confident at least two of the loanees will return in some capacity. There is quiet optimism that even if Spence signs for a bigger club, he could come back on loan.
"Prices were not set to buy any of the loanees so Forest accept that if they go up they would need to pay a “Premier League premium” on any permanent deals."
So whilst purchasing Spence outright seems an outside possibility, it appears that the talented right-back could still end up on Trentside albeit on a loan deal.
Reports earlier this year claimed Boro will demand a club record fee of £20million for Spence, a price which would only be in reach for top-flight clubs. Spence was sent out on loan by current Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder’s predecessor, Neil Warnock. However, in a surprise to many, Wilder opted not to recall Spence in January.
“He’s our player, and it’s always been a complex situation,” said Wilder at the time. “I understand more than anybody that he’s playing well, and we’re delighted that he’s playing well because he’s our player and our asset as well.”
