Transfer Talk: Tottenham step up efforts to land Spence

Tottenham are ready to step up their interest in Djed Spence as they look to pip Nottingham Forest to the signing of the Middlesbrough right-back.

The 21-year-old had an excellent season on loan at Steve Cooper’s Forest which culminated in the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

The East Midlands outfit are keen to seal a permanent move for the youngster but are set to face plenty of competition from elsewhere, including Spurs.

The Express say Antonio Conte is ready to push ahead with a move for Spence as the North Londoners look to secure a £15million deal.

The Italian boss is keen to strengthen at right wing-back, with Emerson Royal struggling to convince since his £26m switch from Barcelona last summer.

Spurs’ managing director Fabio Paratici watched Spence during Forest’s FA Cup clash with Leicester in February and the Fulham academy graduate did not disappoint, netting in a memorable 4-1 win.

Tottenham reportedly saw two bids turned down in January for the England Under-21s international but will now return to the table.

The report suggests Forest are already resigned to missing out on Spence and are exploring other options ahead of their first top-flight campaign since the 1998-99 season.

Manchester City's 21-year-old right-back Issa Kabore, who spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Troyes, is one target they are considering. 

In other news

Jose Mourinho is poised to sign Nemanja Matic for the third time, with Sky Sports reporting that the Serbian will pen a one-year deal with Roma. 

Steven Bergwijn has told Dutch media he is desperate to leave Spurs due to a lack of game time, with Ajax said to be the frontrunners for the Netherlands international.

Barnsley's England-born Hungary star Callum Styles is on the radar of newly-promoted Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest, according to the Mirror.