Tottenham: £20m star 'not an important figure' for Conte at Hotspur Way

Tottenham defender Djed Spence is “not an important figure” for Antonio Conte, says journalist Dean Jones.

The 22-year-old arrived at Hotspur Way from Middlesbrough in a £20m deal during the summer transfer window, but he has so far been overlooked by his new manager.

Conte made it abundantly clear when Spence came in that he was a club signing rather than someone he actively pursued.

“Spence is an investment of the club. The club wanted to do it,” the Italian said (via talkSPORT) back in July.

“I said, ‘Ok, this player is young but he showed he can become a good, important player for us.’ The club decided to buy him.”

So far, Spence is yet to start a game for Tottenham and has made just one appearance under Conte, a brief cameo against Nottingham Forest, where he spent last season on loan.

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Jones does not envision Spence playing a big role under Conte this term.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider said: “I think it’s worth remembering that Djed Spence is more of a club signing than a Conte signing.

“He’s just not an important figure for Conte in terms of how he looks at the starting XI. He’s got other priorities in terms of getting Tottenham established in that top four.”

It looks unlikely, and the early signs obviously suggest that. The fact that Conte has openly admitted that Spence was not one of his targets does not bode well for the Englishman either.

As things stand, the former Inter Milan and Chelsea manager is settled on Emerson Royal, who he has handed six Premier League starts to.

The Brazilian has also started both of Tottenham’s Champions League fixtures so far, which includes their 2-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday, showing that he is the first-choice