Djed Spence is edging closer to leaving Tottenham this summer, with Inter Milan reported to be interested in the England full-back.
Standard Sport understands that the Serie A side are readying a bid of around £25.6million, with Spence open to exploring opportunities elsewhere.
After an impressive World Cup campaign, Spence’s standing has never been higher, and he is keen to capitalise on his recent run of form by seeking assurances over his playing time.
Roberto De Zerbi cannot guarantee Spence the minutes he wants at Spurs and says he will not stand in the way of the 26-year-old should he want to move on.
Why Tottenham are willing to sell Spence
Spence currently finds himself behind World Cup winner Pedro Porro in the pecking order at right-back, with the Spaniard signing a new long-term contract at Spurs in June.
While Spence can also play at left-back, his preferred position is right-back, and he believes his World Cup form has earned him the opportunity to stake a claim for regular minutes there.
De Zerbi likes Spence, but he also appreciates that the former Middlesbrough man wants to be first-choice heading into the prime years of his career.
In an ideal world, Spurs would not want to sell a player who only four weeks ago earned plaudits for his performance in England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina.
But with Spence keen to play regularly and Spurs actively looking to maximise player sales, a deal with Inter Milan appears to suit both parties.
Spurs, who fielded tentative interest from Liverpool, avoid selling to a direct Premier League rival, while Spence comes in as the direct replacement for Denzel Dumfries following his move to Real Madrid.
The mooted fee for Spence appears relatively low given how high his stock is at the moment.
But without a groundswell of interest from elsewhere, Spurs are realistic about how much they can command for a player who has struggled to consistently perform at the highest level during his time at the club.
It is unclear whether Spurs will sign a replacement for Spence, but De Zerbi has stated that the club are not yet finished in the transfer market.
Regardless, selling Spence would continue to underline a change in approach from Spurs, who have accepted that in previous years they have struggled to get fair market value when letting players leave.
