Transfer claim made as clubs prepare to battle for £20m-rated Nottingham Forest loan star

The summer transfer race for Nottingham Forest loanee Djed Spence could reportedly come down to a choice between two teams.

The defender has been a standout performer for the Reds this season, during his time on loan from Middlesbrough. And that form has led to a host of clubs queueing up to fight for his signature.

Last week, Manchester United became the latest Premier League heavyweights to be linked with a move. Liverpool, Arsenal, Leeds United, Brentford and Southampton are also said to be keen.

There is also interest in Spence from abroad. Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig are said to be tracking his progress, while Roma and Inter Milan have also been mentioned.

According to the Sunday Mirror, however, the right-back is “expected” to join either Spurs or the Gunners come the end of the campaign. And it is said Boro would pocket £20m as a result.

Spence made his debut for England Under-21s during the international break, coming off the bench in a 3-0 victory over Albania. And afterwards, he spoke about his ambitions for the future.

“I always want to push myself and play with the best players and best team,” he said. “Of course it’s an ambition of mine to play in the Premier League.

“I try to stay level-headed, I don’t read too much into it. At the end of the day, I’m just here to enjoy my football. I need to stay focused, have tunnel vision and play well on the pitch.”