'I was told' - Leeds want 'swashbuckling' defender who fits Bielsa 'perfectly' - transfer expert

Leeds United are interested in signing Nottingham Forest’s on-loan right-back Djed Spence this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The 21-year-old is currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Forest from Middlesbrough, catching the eye with some outstanding performances in both in the league and FA Cup.

Spence shone in the win over Arsenal last month and he also scored in Sunday’s unforgettable 4-1 victory at home to Leicester City, firing home after a neat one-two.

He won two aerial duels against the Foxes, completed two dribbles, was fouled twice and racked up a tackle, an interception and two clearances, per Whoscored, drawing praise from BBC pundit Wes Morgan as ‘outstanding’ and a ‘constant threat’.

The youngster has also started 22 Championship games in total at the City Ground this season, scoring and assisting once apiece, and it looks as though big clubs are circling for his signature.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed Leeds are one of the teams eyeing up a move for Spence and that he is a ‘perfect’ fit for Marcelo Bielsa:

“Leeds was the other club I was told, so someone like Leeds, he fits in perfectly, but it comes down to the player and how he sees his ambition.”

With Luke Ayling turning 31 this year it is vital that Leeds look at long-term replacements for him and Spence could be an ideal candidate to come in, having been hailed as ‘swashbuckling’ by Ian Wright and even compared to England stars Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James.

He is still raw in terms of age and top level experience but his performances against Premier League opposition in the cup have been fearless and he possesses the power and energy to thrive in a Bielsa side.

Spence has averaged 1.6 tackles and 1.5