Tottenham will sign Middlesbrough right-back Djed Spence this summer if they make their move, according to The Express journalist Ryan Taylor.

Spence is a man in-demand following his exploits which helped get loan club Nottingham Forest promoted back to the Premier League, with Antonio Conte's side in the running for his services.

What's the latest news involving Spence?

Spurs' interest in the 21-year-old dates back to the January window, although Football.London believe Tottenham are now waiting on Spence to decide on his future.

Forest are also in the race and Spence said after their play-off final victory over Huddersfield on Sunday that he would like to return to the City Ground next season.

"[This club] means everything to me," he said. "I've come here, and the fans and gaffer have both taken me in. I would love to stay, but it's not in my hands. We'll see what the future holds."

But Tottenham face competition from several other sides, including Newcastle, Roma, and Borussia Dortmund, with Boro expected to demand a fee of around £16m.

Spence has gained attention following his exceptional form for Forest, notably in the FA Cup, with Ian Wright calling him 'unbelievable' for his performance in the 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the third round, while journalist Daniel Taylor described him as 'incredible'.

He also scored against Leicester in the next round, and Taylor reckons that if Tottenham are serious about signing the young full-back, they should get their man.

What did Taylor say about Spence?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I think if Spurs come in for him, then he'll go there, but I do question whether they might look at other options.

"I'm not sure who that might be, but Spence, a good player, is he going to be a clear upgrade on Royal or Doherty? I'm not quite sure."

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Why do Tottenham want Spence?

From a non-playing perspective, bringing in Spence will help Tottenham's worrying homegrown situation.

Clubs are not allowed to name more than 17 non-homegrown players in their Premier League squad, and Spurs are currently sitting on 16 following Pierluigi Gollini's return to Atalanta, meaning Spence will help on that front.

Furthermore, while Spence has never played in the Premier League, he has already proven himself against Arsenal, Leicester, and Liverpool in the FA Cup, more than holding his own against that trio of top-flight sides, including a man of the match display against the Gunners and fine goal in the mauling of the Foxes.

Therefore, with the right coaching, Spence could become a really shrewd piece of business by Tottenham.