The reasons why Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici want Djed Spence to sign for Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur's desire to sign Djed Spence this month stems from the amount of boxes the 21-year-old ticks for Antonio Conte's side.

Spence has been a breakout star this season in the Championship while on loan from Middlesbrough at Nottingham Forest, playing a key role in helping Steve Cooper's side earn promotion to the Premier League through the play-offs. The England U21 defender has caught the eye of clubs not only in the English top flight but also across Europe.

Tottenham are among the frontrunners to sign Spence, with Borussia Dortmund, Roma, Newcastle, Brentford and Forest having all shown a strong interest in the London-born wide man. Reports that Spurs have agreed a fee with Middlesbrough are believed to be wide of the mark at this point and understands that developments are expected with Spence's future early next week.

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The player was in Kosovo with the England U21 squad on Friday night, despite being rested from the matchday squad and he will return to action on Monday night for their home game against Slovenia. Tottenham's managing director of football Fabio Paratici has watched Spence in person this season and while there would be an emotional pull for the player to return to Forest, he is understood to be attracted by the prospect of playing Champions League football, something both Spurs and Dortmund can offer next season.

The north London club are also expected to be able to offer him plenty of playing time next season in what will be a busy campaign on all fronts and that would be key for Spence, who is not understood to be keen on joining a big club only to be loaned straight out somewhere else.

Tott