Transfer News: Chelsea join Liverpool in the race to sign Nottingham Forest defender Djed Spence
According to TeamTalk (h/t Football.London), Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea in the race to sign on-loan Nottingham Forest defender, Djed Spence, who is also on the radar of many other European clubs.
Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in the England U21 international. It is believed that Middlesbrough, his parent club, may be willing to let him leave for a fee between £12m–£17m.
Spence is a right-back who can play as a right wing-back if required. The 21-year-old London-born defender has made 46 appearances in all competitions for Forest and was impressive in the FA Cup third-round win against Arsenal.
He further has three goals and five assists to his name. It is clear why clubs are chasing him. A homegrown player who is yet to reach his peak, Spence has ample experience of playing in England already- be it in the Championship. Chelsea lack a natural backup for Reece James and perhaps, they would want to strengthen their right-hand side by potentially signing the youngster.
Djed to LFC?
Now, Spence is a player Liverpool could use. The Reds have amazing depth down the left-hand side of their defence, with Kostas Tsimikas playing backup to the world-class Andrew Robertson.
But the same cannot be said for the right-hand side. Joe Gomez did deputise pretty well for Trent Alexander-Arnold in the recent win against Newcastle United, but the ex-Charlton Athletic man has seen his best days at Liverpool as a centre-back.
Trent’s attacking endeavour down that side makes Jurgen Klopp’s side a threat for any opposition when we have the ball. Spence is an able defender who likes to dribble. If signed, he could be a useful backup for Trent but it is highly unlikely he can displace the world-class 23-year-old from the starting XI.
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This would then free up Gomez to be one of our backup central defenders and slot in for Virgil van Dijk or Joel Matip if and when needed. The price tag mentioned above doesn’t seem exorbitant for young talent such as Spence but with the number of clubs after him, the road to getting his signature may not be very easy.
