Liverpool could miss out on signing Djed Spence from Middlesbrough this summer.
That’s according to Goal, who report that Tottenham Hotspur, not Liverpool are now favourites to sign the 21-year-old.
The report claims that there will be a ‘scramble’ for the right-back’s services once the transfer window opens.
Spence is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest. Goal say that his performances for Steve Cooper’s team have attracted interest from German clubs Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen, amongst others.
‘Several’ Premier League clubs are also claimed to be in the mix. One of these could be Liverpool, who were reported as being ‘potential suitors’ by The Northern Echo last week.
Spence came into the season as a relative unknown. But his displays for Forest mean that he is likely to be playing at a top club next year.
One in, one out
The Reds will almost certainly be in the market for a new right-back this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is unquestionably Jurgen Klopp’s first choice and that isn’t changing any time soon.
But as the need to play James Milner at right-back to give Trent a rest on Wednesday shows, a back-up is needed.
Neco Williams has been excellent for Fulham since his loan move on deadline day in January. But he is keen for a first-choice role which isn’t going to happen at Liverpool.
His performances in the Championship mean that he will be a saleable asset for The Reds this summer and should be moved along.
Why should Liverpool look to Spence
If Williams does depart, Spence would seem to fit the mould perfectly as a replacement. He’s young, English and most importantly, is a front-footed right-back who can contribute in attacking positions.
His goal against Leicester City in this seasons FA Cup proved as much.
Picking the ball up 45 yards out on the right hand side, Spence drove forward with the ball before playing a brilliant one-two with a teammate.
The right-back followed the ball into the box and finished brilliantly past Danny Ward.
That goal, and his all-round display that day led to Gary Lineker calling him ‘brilliant’ in a post on Twitter.
Liverpool could yet get to run the rule over Spence up close this season. The Reds have been drawn against Nottingham Forest or Huddersfield Town in the last eight of the FA Cup.
Should Forest beat the Terriers, Liverpool fans will get a chance to see what all the fuss is about.