Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are facing a fight to secure the services of loanee Djed Spence on their return to the Premier League.
The right-back was a revelation whilst on loan from Middlesbrough last season. The 21-year-old completed more dribbles (76) than any other defender in the league and appeared to be the modern-day full back. Scouts were ever present throughout the campaign as Djed would go on to make the Championship Team of the season..
Sign up for FREE daily updates
Sign up for FREE daily updates
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both being heavily linked with moves, with Antonio Conte especially keen to re-enforce his wing-back areas. The positions were so pivotal to his famed 3-4-3 formation.
Newcastle United are another Premier League side to have registered an interest with Middlesbrough and are awaiting a response, whilst Brentford have made tentative enquires.
One not so surprising suitor for Djed’s services is German Champions, Bayern Munich. The Bavarians (along with the rest of the Bundesliga) actively scout English football looking for value, with new British talent seemingly arriving in Germany every summer. Djed could well follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho, Jamal Musiala, and Jude Bellington in forging a career overseas before potentially returning to the Premier League in the future.
Surprisingly, Spence was far from even making the first team at parent club Middlesbrough at the beginning of the season, with then manager Neil Warnock preferring wing back Isaiah Jones. Djed was quick to point out his success via social media immediately after the game, humorously tagging the manager responsible for loaning him out.
After such an impressive season, a return to Middlesbrough now seems highly unlikely with Djed having his pick of top-tier sides to choose from. A return to Nottingham Forest may also be a viable option with the guarantees of first team football and the trust of coach Steve Cooper.
