Everton are among among a host of Premier League sides that are interested in pursuing a deal for Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence.
According to reports by TEAMtalk, ‘Boro are anticipating an uphill battle to retain their attacking full-back during the upcoming winter transfer window.
It is understood that Everton, Wolves, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are among the clubs who have been ‘doing regular checks’ on Spence, with the defender also being reportedly lined up for a call-up to England under-21 squad.
The 20-year-old joined from London side Fulham in 2018 and has since integrated himself strongly into Neil Warnock’s plans. At one point, Spence had strongly considered leaving the club after finding himself on the fringes of the squad, with fears he would lack a clear pathway into regular first team action.
He was then brought into the first team by Jonathan Woodgate midway through last season, rewarding Woodgate and then Warnock’s faith with impressive form in the Championship as ‘Boro look to chase promotion in 2021.
Indeed, the Teessiders’ manager has even compared the youngster with Ballon D’Or-nominated Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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From the Toffees’ perspective, an investment in youth in the full-back area could be a good move by Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Everton felt the pain of a lack of full-back depth during a 2-0 defeat against Southampton, in which natural centre-back Ben Godfrey played out on the right amid a minor injury crisis.
However, Niels Nkounkou and Jonjoe Kenny were both fit and featured in Everton’s most recent game – a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle – with depth in that area quickly replenishing.
Spence could certainly be one for the future than the here-and-now, though competition for his signature appears significant if the likes of Newcastle and Wolves are interested. Perhaps buying the player with a view to a Championship loan could be a pathway forward.
