Nottingham Forest transfer blow as Premier League rivals reach 'advanced stage' in Djed Spence chase

Tottenham Hotspur are 'leading' the race to sign Middlesbrough wing-back Djed Spence amid transfer interest from Nottingham Forest.

The Reds are keen to sign Spence on a permanent deal after his impressive loan season at the City Ground, providing two goals and five assists as Steve Cooper's side won promotion into the Premier League. It is the first time they will feature in the top-flight for 23 years.

Reports now suggest that Tottenham are ahead of Forest in the race to sign Spence with Spurs' interest claimed to be at an "advanced stage".

According to The Northern Echo, Spurs have a growing confidence that they will capture the 21-year-old's services this summer. Spence's current deal at the Riverside lasts until 2024 but it is highly unlikely that he will still be with the North-East club by the start of the new season.

The Echo claim they have no preference as to where Spence heads so long as "their financial demands are met". An asking price of at least £15m has been mentioned in previous reports, whilst competition from the likes of Spurs, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund and Roma could scupper the Reds' chance of completing a deal.

NottinghamshireLive revealed on Saturday (June 4) the Reds are already exploring alternative options should they fail to sign Spence this summer. One target the Reds are understood to be tracking is Manchester City youngster Issa Kabore, who spent last term on-loan with Ligue 1 side Troyes.

Kabore featured 31 times, as an attack-minded defender, for the French side. He also helped Burkina Faso reach the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations, where he was named young player of the tournament after registering three assists.